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A pair of acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their books excluded from contention for the nation's esteemed literature prize because of the use of AI in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel award in October, but were ruled out the following thirty days because of recently introduced rules regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, stated that the prize committee amended the guidelines in August, by which time the covers for all entered book would have already been completed.

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

Writers' Responses

The author expressed understanding for the prize administrators, stating she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” 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 usually have little input in book artwork and was unaware AI had been used for her cover, which displays a cat with human-like teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” Johnson said, noting that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she struggles to recognize computer-created graphics.

The writer worried that readers might think she employed AI to compose her book, which she emphatically 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, Smither said that the designers devoted considerable time creating her book's cover, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Award Committee's Position

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust takes a “firm stance on the use of AI in books.”

“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.

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

The move to amend the AI guidelines was driven by a aim to support the creative and intellectual property interests 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 pointed out that publishers and authors often employ software like Grammarly and image editors, which incorporate AI, and this situation underscored the urgent need for carefully crafted guidelines.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past served as judges for sections of the prizes, and both emphasized that covers receive minimal attention during evaluation.

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

The use of AI in artistic sectors has encountered increasing scrutiny as the technology advances, with some organizations developing ways to counter its influence.