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Two acclaimed New Zealand authors have had their books excluded from consideration for the country's esteemed literature award because of the utilization of artificial intelligence in designing their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

The author's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in October, but were ruled out the following thirty days because of recently introduced rules concerning artificial intelligence usage.

The publisher of the two books, the publisher, stated that the awards committee amended the criteria in August, by which time the covers for all entered title would have previously 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' Responses

The author expressed understanding for the award administrators, saying she shares deep concerns about AI in creative fields, but was let down by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she commented. “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 added that authors usually have minimal input in book design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which displays a feline with human dentition.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” Johnson explained, noting that unlike more tech-savvy age groups, she struggles to identify AI-generated graphics.

The writer feared that the public might think she employed AI to write her book, 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 comment, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists devoted hours crafting her book's art, which includes a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that oversees the Ockham awards, affirmed the organization maintains a strong position on the use of artificial intelligence 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,” Legat stated.

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

The move to revise the artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a aim to protect the artistic and intellectual property rights of the nation's authors and illustrators, she explained.

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

Publishing Considerations

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors regularly employ tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for well-defined guidelines.

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

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

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

The application of artificial intelligence in creative fields has encountered increasing scrutiny as the tech progresses, with some groups developing ways to counter its influence.