🔗 Share this article

A pair of award-winning Kiwi writers have had their books disqualified from contention for the country's prestigious literature prize because of the utilization of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Exclusion Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's novella collection "Angel Train" were entered for the Ockham 2026 literary prizes and its NZ$65,000 novel award in October, but were disqualified the following thirty days due to new rules concerning AI use.

The publisher of the two books, the publisher, stated that the prize committee amended the criteria in August, 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,” the publisher noted.

Authors' Responses

The author expressed understanding for the award organizers, saying she has serious worries about AI in artistic industries, but was disappointed by the decision.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” 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.”

She added that writers typically have little involvement in cover design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her book cover, which features a feline with human teeth.

“I believed it was an actual cat photo with superimposed teeth, but that was not the case,” the author explained, noting that unlike younger generations, she finds it difficult to identify AI-generated graphics.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she employed artificial intelligence to compose her work, which she emphatically did not do.

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

In a statement, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists spent hours crafting her publication's art, which includes a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, influenced by artist Marc Chagall's imagery.

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

Award Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, affirmed the organization takes a strong position on the application 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 said.

“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 driven by a desire to protect 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.”

Industry Considerations

The publisher pointed out that publishing houses and writers regularly use software like grammar checkers and image editors, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation underscored the pressing need for well-defined policies.

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

Both Elizabeth Smither and Stephanie Johnson have in the past been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs get little consideration during evaluation.

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

The use of AI in artistic sectors has encountered growing scrutiny as the technology progresses, with some groups creating methods to address its impact.