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Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the nation's prestigious literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in the tenth month, but were disqualified the next thirty days because of new guidelines regarding artificial intelligence usage.

The publishing house of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize committee updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the covers for every submitted title would have already been completed.

“It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” the publisher said.

Writers' Reactions

The author voiced sympathy for the award administrators, saying she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she remarked. “It’s my 22nd book, and it is my fourth collection of short stories. These stories … were written over a sort of 20 year period, so for me, it’s quite an important book.”

She further stated that writers usually have little involvement in book design and was did not know AI had been employed for her cover, which features a cat with human-like dentition.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” the author explained, noting that unlike younger generations, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she employed artificial intelligence to write her work, which she categorically did not do.

“Rather than discussing my book's themes and inspirations, we're focused on this AI issue, which I despise.”

In a comment, Elizabeth Smither said that the artists devoted considerable time crafting her book's art, which features a steam train and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

“It is them I am most concerned about: that their meticulous work … is being disrespected,” she stated.

Prize Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that administers the Ockham awards, affirmed the trust maintains a strong position on the application of AI in publications.”

“The trust does not take lightly a decision that prevents the latest works of two of New Zealand’s most esteemed writers from being considered for the 2026 award,” Legat said.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The move to revise the AI criteria was motivated by a aim to protect the artistic and intellectual property rights of the country's authors and illustrators, she added.

“With artificial intelligence advancing, the trust may need to review and refine these criteria in the future.”

Industry Reflections

The publisher noted that publishers and writers often use software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this incident underscored the pressing need for well-defined policies.

“As an industry, we must work together to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

Both Smither and Stephanie Johnson have previously been jurors for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that cover designs receive little consideration during evaluation.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” the author said.

The application of artificial intelligence in creative sectors has faced increasing scrutiny as the tech advances, with some groups developing ways to counter its impact.