Ockham Book Awards Disqualify AI-Covered Titles from Competition

Two acclaimed books from New Zealand authors have been disqualified from the prestigious Ockham Book Awards due to the use of AI-generated cover designs. Elizabeth Smither‘s *Angel Train* and Stephanie Johnson‘s *Obligate Carnivore*, both published by Quentin Wilson of Christchurch, will not be eligible for the $60,000 Acorn Jann Medlicott Fiction Prize next year.

Wilson expressed his distress over the ruling, indicating that it appears the books are being judged based on their covers rather than their literary content. He noted that the Ockham awards committee had informed publishers in August about an amendment that disallowed AI-created covers. Wilson initially believed the books met eligibility requirements, only to discover later that the covers were significantly influenced by AI technology.

In a candid statement, Wilson accepted responsibility, saying, “This is my problem, and I own it.” Yet, he remains frustrated, arguing that the essence of a fiction prize should focus on the quality of writing rather than the packaging.

Johnson echoed this sentiment in an email, emphasizing her respect for the Ockham awards and their role in New Zealand’s literary landscape. “The jettisoning of my book from the competition is deeply unsettling,” she stated. She expressed irony in her disqualification, noting her strong aversion to AI in the creative process, stating she has never relied on it for her writing.

Discussing the cover design—a striking image of a cat with human teeth—Johnson recounted her initial excitement. She believed the image was a photograph until Wilson informed her of the disqualification. After contacting Belinda Cooke, manager of the awards, Johnson learned that any use of AI in a book’s production disqualifies it. Cooke maintained that the rules are clear, indicating that judges should consider both literary merit and the quality of visual presentation, including cover design.

Johnson’s reflections underline a broader concern among authors regarding the implications of AI in creative fields. She observed that despite her extensive experience as a writer, she often pays little attention to cover designs, viewing them as secondary to the writing itself. “The old adage ‘Never judge a book by its cover’ holds true for real books,” she noted.

Another perspective comes from Sue Reidy, an author and experienced book designer, who articulated the emotional toll of the Ockham’s decision. “I would have been heartbroken at seeing my creative opportunities ripped away by the use of AI,” she remarked. Reidy emphasized the need for artists to adapt in an increasingly AI-driven environment, advocating that literary awards should focus primarily on the quality of writing.

The decision to ban AI-generated covers has incited mixed reactions. Some view it as a necessary stance against the encroachment of AI in creative industries. Yet, others, including Wilson and Johnson, argue that this ruling undermines the hard work and literary contributions of authors whose books were unfairly penalized.

Both *Angel Train* and *Obligate Carnivore* are available for purchase, retailing at $37.50 each. Johnson’s book of short stories is set to launch on November 19, 2023, at the Women’s Bookshop in Auckland.

As the literary community grapples with the implications of AI in publishing, the Ockham Book Awards continue to be a focal point for discussion about the evolving relationship between technology and literature.