Writers Eliminated from New Zealand's Top Book Prize After AI Use in Book Cover Designs

Two acclaimed Kiwi authors have had their works excluded from consideration for the country's esteemed literary prize because of the use of artificial intelligence in creating their book covers.

Disqualification Particulars

The author's short story compilation "Obligate Carnivore" and Elizabeth Smither's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the 2026 Ockham book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar novel award in the tenth month, but were ruled out the next month due to new guidelines regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publishing house of the two titles, the publisher, explained that the prize organizers updated the criteria in the eighth month, by which time the covers for all entered book 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 said.

Authors' Responses

Johnson voiced understanding for the prize administrators, stating she shares deep concerns about AI in creative 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 authors usually have minimal involvement in cover design and was unaware AI had been used for her book cover, which displays a cat 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,” Johnson said, noting that unlike more tech-savvy generations, she finds it difficult to identify computer-created images.

Johnson feared that readers might assume she employed AI to write her book, which she categorically 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, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the artists devoted hours creating her book's art, which features a steam train and an angel partially hidden by smoke, inspired by painter the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Trust's Stance

Nicola Legat, head of the award foundation that administers the prizes, affirmed the trust maintains 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 stated.

“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 aim to protect the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's writers and illustrators, she explained.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further.”

Industry Considerations

The publisher noted that publishing houses and writers regularly employ software like grammar checkers and image editors, which utilize AI, and this situation highlighted 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 previously been jurors for categories of the Ockham awards, and both emphasized that covers receive minimal attention during evaluation.

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

The use of artificial intelligence in creative sectors has faced growing scrutiny as the tech advances, with some groups developing ways to counter its influence.