Writers Removed from Aotearoa's Top Book Prize After Artificial Intelligence Usage in Cover Artwork

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

Exclusion Details

The author's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its NZ$65,000 novel award in the tenth month, but were disqualified the following month because of new guidelines regarding artificial intelligence use.

The publisher of the two titles, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize organizers amended the criteria in the eighth month, by which point the cover designs for all entered title would have already been finalized.

“Consequently, it was much too late for publishers to incorporate this new rule into their design plans,” Wilson noted.

Writers' Reactions

The author expressed understanding for the prize organizers, saying she has deep concerns about artificial intelligence in creative fields, but was let down by the ruling.

“It would be untrue to claim I am not upset by this,” she commented. “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 writers typically have little input in book design and was did not know artificial intelligence had been used for her book cover, which displays a cat with human teeth.

“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 younger age groups, she finds it difficult to identify computer-created graphics.

Johnson worried that the public might think she used AI to compose her book, which she emphatically 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 statement, Smither expressed that the artists spent hours creating her book's art, which features a locomotive and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist the artist's imagery.

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

Prize Trust's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that administers the prizes, said the trust maintains a “firm stance 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 said.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The decision to amend the AI criteria was motivated by a aim to support the artistic and copyright rights of the country's authors and illustrators, she explained.

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

Industry Reflections

Wilson pointed out that publishing houses and authors regularly employ tools like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this incident highlighted the pressing need for carefully crafted policies.

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

Both Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that cover designs receive little attention during judging.

“The text itself and its detailed analysis were all that mattered,” the author said.

The use of AI in artistic sectors has faced increasing examination as the technology progresses, with some organizations developing methods to counter its impact.