Authors Eliminated from New Zealand's Top Literary Award Following AI Use in Book Cover Designs

A pair of award-winning Kiwi writers have had their books excluded from consideration for the country's prestigious literature award due to the use of AI in designing their cover art.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella set "Angel Train" were entered for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in October, but were ruled out the next thirty days because of recently introduced rules regarding AI usage.

The publishing house of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the prize organizers updated the guidelines in the eighth month, by which point the covers for all entered title would have previously been finalized.

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

Writers' Reactions

Johnson voiced understanding for the prize administrators, saying she shares deep concerns about AI in creative industries, but was let down by the ruling.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” 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.”

Johnson added that authors typically have minimal input in cover design and was unaware artificial intelligence had been used for her cover, which features a feline with human dentition.

“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.

Johnson worried that the public might think she used artificial intelligence to compose her book, which she emphatically denied.

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

In a statement, Elizabeth Smither said that the designers devoted hours crafting her book's cover, which includes a locomotive and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Position

The trust chair, head of the award foundation that administers the Ockham awards, said the organization takes a “firm stance on the use 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,” Legat stated.

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

The move to amend the artificial intelligence guidelines was motivated by a aim to support the artistic and intellectual property interests of the country's authors and artists, she added.

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

Industry Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishers and authors regularly employ software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent need for well-defined policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for categories of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that cover designs get little attention during evaluation.

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

The use of AI in artistic sectors has encountered growing examination as the tech advances, with some organizations developing ways to counter its impact.