🔗 Share this article

Two award-winning Kiwi writers have had their works disqualified from contention for the nation's esteemed literature award because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Details

Stephanie Johnson's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel award in the tenth month, but were disqualified the following month due to recently introduced rules concerning artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of both books, Quentin Wilson, stated that the awards committee updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for all submitted 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 noted.

Authors' Reactions

Johnson voiced understanding for the prize organizers, saying she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in artistic fields, but was let down 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 further stated that authors typically have minimal involvement in cover design and was did not know AI had been used for her book cover, which features a feline with human dentition.

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

Johnson feared that the public might think she employed artificial intelligence to write her book, which she categorically 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 spent considerable time creating her book's cover, which includes a locomotive and an celestial figure “half-obscured in the smoke”, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's figures.

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

Award Trust's Position

The trust chair, chair of the award foundation that administers the prizes, said the organization maintains 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,” Legat stated.

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

The move to revise the AI criteria was driven by a aim to support the artistic and copyright interests 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 Reflections

The publisher noted that publishing houses and writers often use tools like grammar checkers and image editors, which utilize artificial intelligence, and this incident highlighted the urgent need for carefully crafted 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 prizes, and both emphasized that covers get little consideration during evaluation.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” Smither concluded.

The application of artificial intelligence in artistic sectors has encountered increasing examination as the technology advances, with some organizations developing ways to address its influence.