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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books disqualified from consideration for the country's prestigious literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Details

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel award in October, but were disqualified the next month because of new guidelines concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the awards committee updated the guidelines in August, by which point the cover designs for all entered title would have previously been completed.

“Consequently, it was much too late for publishers to incorporate this new rule into their design plans,” Wilson noted.

Authors' Reactions

The author voiced understanding for the prize organizers, saying she shares serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she remarked. “This marks my 22nd publication and my fourth short story anthology. These tales … were composed over roughly two decades, making this a particularly significant work for me.”

She added that authors typically have minimal involvement in book design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which features a cat with human teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” the author explained, adding that unlike younger age groups, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

The writer feared that readers might assume she used artificial intelligence to compose her work, which she categorically denied.

“Instead of talking about my book … and what the inspiration was, we are talking about bloody AI, which I hate.”

In a statement, Smither said that the designers devoted considerable time creating her book's art, which features a steam train and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that administers the prizes, said the trust maintains a strong position on the application of artificial intelligence 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,” she said.

“Nevertheless, the rules apply equally to every participant, no matter their standing, and must be enforced uniformly.”

The decision to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a aim to support the creative and intellectual property rights of the nation's authors and illustrators, she added.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further.”

Industry Reflections

Wilson noted that publishers and writers regularly use software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent requirement for well-defined guidelines.

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

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

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” the author concluded.

The use of artificial intelligence in artistic fields has encountered increasing examination as the tech progresses, with some groups developing methods to address its influence.