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Two award-winning New Zealand writers have had their works disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literary prize because of the use of AI in designing their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its NZ$65,000 fiction award in October, but were disqualified the following month due to new rules concerning AI use.

The publisher of the two books, the publisher, stated that the prize organizers amended the criteria in August, by which point the cover designs for every submitted book would have already been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

The author expressed understanding for the prize organizers, stating she shares deep concerns about AI in creative fields, but was let down by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she commented. “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 further stated that writers typically have minimal involvement in book design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her book 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 said, adding that unlike younger age groups, she finds it difficult to recognize AI-generated graphics.

The writer worried that readers might think she employed AI to compose her book, which she categorically did not do.

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

In a comment, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers devoted hours crafting her book's art, which features a locomotive and an celestial figure partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter the artist's figures.

“My primary concern is for the designers: their careful, detailed work … is not being respected,” she stated.

Award Committee's Stance

Nicola Legat, chair of the award foundation that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust takes a strong position on the use 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,” she stated.

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

The decision to revise the AI criteria was motivated by a aim to protect the creative and intellectual property rights of the country's writers and illustrators, she explained.

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

Publishing Reflections

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors regularly use tools like Grammarly and Photoshop, which utilize AI, and this incident underscored the urgent requirement for well-defined guidelines.

“Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.”

Both Smither and Johnson have in the past been jurors for sections of the prizes, and both stressed that covers get little attention during evaluation.

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

The application of AI in creative sectors has faced increasing examination as the tech progresses, with some groups creating methods to address its influence.