Ockham Awards Reinstates AI-Designed Book Covers for Consideration

The Ockham Awards, New Zealand’s premier book honors, has reversed its decision to disqualify two titles that utilized artificial intelligence (AI) in their cover designs. Initially, the NZ Book Awards Trust excluded the short fiction collections Angel Train by Elizabeth Smither and Obligate Carnivore by Stephanie Johnson from consideration for next year’s $65,000 fiction prize due to a rule regarding AI usage.

The decision to disqualify these works was made last month when the trust ruled that the use of AI in their cover designs violated the awards’ entry criteria. However, on Friday, the trust’s chairperson, Nicola Legat, announced that the books would now be eligible for consideration.

Trust’s Decision Highlights Concerns Over AI in Publishing

Legat reaffirmed the trust’s commitment to introducing rules regarding AI for the 2026 awards, citing the growing concerns about the implications of AI within the publishing sector. She expressed gratitude for the support received from the Publishers Association of New Zealand, Booksellers Aotearoa NZ, and the New Zealand Society of Authors.

“The rule was created in response to the critical issues AI raises for the publishing sector,” Legat stated. Initially, leading figures in New Zealand’s publishing industry endorsed the disqualification, emphasizing the need to protect the intellectual property of authors and artists as the industry evolves.

Legat elaborated on the situation involving the two authors, stating that their publisher, Quentin Wilson of Christchurch, had not fully engaged with the new rules or understood the implications of using AI-generated cover designs. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that submissions meet all criteria and noted that “collateral damage” had unintentionally affected two talented authors.

Resubmission Opportunities for Other Publishers

In light of the decision, the trust will allow three additional publishers, who had previously informed the trust that their book covers were AI-generated, the opportunity to resubmit their entries. This flexibility acknowledges feedback from the publishing community, with some expressing that they felt inadequately notified about the AI regulations.

Legat confirmed that while this adjustment has been made, the trust will continue to enforce restrictions on AI-generated text for the upcoming 2026 awards. The judges are now preparing for the longlist decision announcement scheduled for January 29, 2024, where a total of 44 titles will be selected from a competitive field of over 170 entries.

This recent change highlights the ongoing discussions within the publishing world about the role of technology, particularly AI, and its impact on creativity and authorship. As the landscape continues to evolve, the Ockham Awards aims to balance innovation with the protection of artistic integrity.