How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Sunday — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:25:53 -0500

My theory is this; Each staff member has a pet monkey. They get these monkeys to sit about, tapping away at type-writers, until eventually one of them manages to type out a WriMo's username. Once they have 2,000 of these, they write them all out on pieces of paper with the contact info for the Office of Letters and Light on the back. Once this is done, 500 of those usernames are put into coffee packets and sent around the globe. Another 500 are put into bottles and thrown into the ocean. 500 more are mailed to random addresses. And the last 500 are tied to helium balloons and set free into the atmosphere. When an innocent person comes across a username hidden in their coffee packets, or tied to a deflated balloon, or washed up on their private beach, or sitting in their mailbox, they can choose to contact the OLL or not. Most of them won't bother. Some of them can't. But the first 30 or so people who DO choose to contact the staff will tell them the usernames they got, and voilå! That user gets a cover. Simple as can be. ... Or they just pick the coolest-sounding synopses they find. Either one. What's your theory?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Zaramora_Gladen — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:29:19 -0500

My World History teachers team on chickens and ostriches raid the site and pick out their first 30 victims and to help with their new deaths (the victims'), they give them a cover.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

leolewis — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:49:52 -0500

Time traveling ghosts appear to them and tell them which covers will most benefit the future. I'm personally hoping that on Halloween night, while they sit alone illuminated only by the light of their laptops, Edgar Allen Poe's ghost will whisper into their ears that I have a great, next-best-selling novel worthy of coverdom. Okay, fine. I really just want Edgar Allen Poe's ghost to whisper to ANYONE. Or knock on their door. That would be cool.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

sarah_hart — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:16:56 -0500

I, too, want to be haunted by Poe. :D That would be my dream haunting.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

sushimustwrite — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:59:54 -0500

Four words: Chris Baty. Wombats. Macrame.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Sunday — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:36:15 -0500

Go on....

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

eleanor rigby — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 01:54:05 -0500

I just figured it had something to do with a realllllllly big dartboard and really tiny darts!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Neechole — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:44:46 -0500

It's all done in an internal lottery with girls in skimpy 20s showgirl outfits getting user names out of a barrel.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

BJLee — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:25:00 -0500

No no no ~ you wanna know how? First everyone does jello shots then they take sharpies and write user names all over chris and other office monkeys and then everyone gets bottles of mustard and play twister while squirting mustard all over.... any user names they can still read after an hour get written on paper and they pull 30 out of Chris' underwear drawer Ya think? Ok maybe not.... But drunk twister with mustard and sharpies and CHris B's CLEAN undies.... (on him please no nakedness needed) That just sounds like fun

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Safriadragonfan — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:04:43 -0500

So on a serious note is there anything you can do to make yourself more eligible for this?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Sunday — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:10:34 -0500

It's all about your title and your synopsis. If you have something truly interesting that shows true promise, you are far more likely to be chosen. So get a fantastic novel idea, put up your synopsis and an excerpt that really draws people in, talk about what you're writing in the forums and hope for the best. But if you don't get chosen there are plenty of artists down in Artisans who are perfectly willing and able to whip something up for you :)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Gerd D. — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:35:44 -0500

Only Poe wouldn't come knocking, he'd be gently rapping on their chamber door.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Gerd D. — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:39:04 -0500

Aside from putting your best effort in your project? You might try an envelope full of money ... or to make them an offer they can't refuse.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

jenga_jogurts — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:16:27 -0500

Hey, only 30 novels get a cover? I read that each winner who has succeeded to finish his novel on time, gets a special code and an oppportunity to recieve his manuscript in a form of a noormal book :D if only 30 lucky writers will get a book..I don't know..

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

leolewis — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:43:35 -0500

The covers are separate from that offer. CreateSpace offers winners a printed version of their novel and the process involves you making/choosing your own cover at that point. The wonderful people designing a professional cover for 30 people is a separate entity. It's just plain generous of them to do it for free, and they obviously can't put that much time and effort into everyone.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

sushimustwrite — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:56:38 -0500

Also, in past years (and I'm guessing for this year as well), the cover is a web-friendly version and not a high-resolution cover that's suitable for a CreateSpace or other book cover. The 30C30D cover is simply a cool token from NaNo that yes, you can display on your profile when that bug gets fixed and your website and whatnot, not something to be used on a real book.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

JAPartridge — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:24:46 -0500

Really? That IS disappointing.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

RandomJellyBeans — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:39:02 -0500

^Win.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Ambry Nite — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:50:05 -0500

In the dead of night, an army of ninja leprechauns will crawl from the sewers and sneak into the houses of the many NaNo writers - at least the houses not placed in extreme locations. And it has to be leprechauns. They're the only ones that can pass themselves off as confused, lost midgets if they get caught. But that's besides the point, as they are ninjas and never get caught. They will come to you when you are asleep and put a golden flower under your pillow. Normally nothing will happen- the flower will die, get crushed, be ground into your hair, and you'll go to work/school in the morning only to look quite silly when someone points out you have a mutilated plant poking out of your head. But if you're REALLY lucky, the golden flower will transform into an angry badger by the first light of dawn. Despite the high possibility that you will get mauled, you should be happy about this. Because the all-knowing queen of leprechauns will compensate for your numerous medical bills by giving you a novel cover. You know, to distract you from any legal actions you may take against the mythological creatures.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Lostshadows — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:20:52 -0500

It's predestined. Deep under the OLL is a secret vault. Inside the vault is a massive tome, chained securely to the floor, filled with the names of every NaNo participant who will ever get a cover. When the clock strikes midnight on Halloween, the door opens. It gives them just enough time to rush in, copy down the next 30 names, and then rush out again before the door slams shut. Any changes in staff involve people who were a little too slow.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

reachforthesky — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:06:08 -0500

Serious Win.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

whimsicaldreamer — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:03:45 -0500

They use Voodoo Dolls. They sit them on top of computers and when the doll comes to life they know it has chosen someone. They simply whisper instructions into the ears of the dolls while the real person sleeps. The real person will then get online and send a message with the secret password in it not knowing why they are typing it. When they get the message with the correct words they know who's novel to make a cover for. Also now they have one more voodoo doll to compel the person to return every year after.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Laughing-Mockingbird — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:20:56 -0500

If only this were Facebook and I could "like" this.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

anachronistic.aesthetic — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:53:03 -0500

i'm pretty sure lostshadows is 100% correct.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Soupnazi — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:55:57 -0500

No, no no no no no. It's the llamas. Duh.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

thewritechristine — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:58:20 -0500

I'm pretty sure they use a broken sundial and a divining rod.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

OrangeZest100 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:00:21 -0500

The wall gnomes (who are constantly stealing and returning all of those things you could not find and now can) can transcend dimensions if they so chose. These gnomes fly with at the speed of light and with the grace of drunk rhinoceros to the all knowing cloud demons of the netherworld. These demons know the future and tell the gnomes which users MUST get covers for the future to continue. The gnomes fly back and return to our demension so they may whisper the usernames in the staffs ears as the humans dream of sugarplums......

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

indeliblecello — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:33:12 -0500

Like! :)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

leejamlee — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:23:38 -0500

I'm fairly certain blindfolds and twister spinners are involved in the process.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

SVEllis — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:03:08 -0500

I think Professor Marvel might play a hand...

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

FigmentofImagination — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:51:37 -0500

Mr Ian Woon sits in top-secret NaNoWriMo headquarters with a circle of slips of paper. The papers have every nanowrimo.org username written on them. He places the Travelling Shovel of Death in the middle of the circle and plays a game of spin the bottle. The first thirty names the Shovel points to get a cover.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Goddess-Diana — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 19:50:00 -0500

nah, you guys are all wrong. It's the gaffel elves that are behind it.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

tiger19447 — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:53:41 -0500

Well, I think that Gandalf, the drunk goose from the Aristocats, and a sarcastic Batman-fangirl who's fashion choices are something straight out of your worst nightmares get together and use one hell of an origami paper fortune-teller to determine the lucky users, then spell out the names on NaNo staff's waffles in diesel-flavoured Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Void-Auron — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:18:21 -0500

Clearly, each nomination is put in an envelope and labeled 'heading to Alaska' and is then relay-raced up there by enthusiastic joggers, baby-stroller pushers, messenger bicyclists and bored cabbies. The envelopes that make it to Alaska are given to Mr. Westerfield. He puts them in new envelopes labeled 'heading to the Office of Letters and Light' and gives them to various polar bears and seals to relay-race them back with the assistance of several whales, dolphins and gulls. The ones that arrive back at the office in a readable condition (very few) with Mr. Westerfield's stamp of authentication are selected.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

standardcrow — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:24:44 -0500

A treefrog is transported to a secret location somewhere in Azerbaijan and reared on macaroons until he is finally able to leap through a pool where each username is attached to a lilypad. Where the frog lands his sticky toes, the artist goes...

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Paul Washington — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:55:16 -0500

i want to hear the thumping of a heart... bump, Bump, bump! that would be the best halloween SurPrise EvAR!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:29:22 -0500

The real way they find the 30 lucky bastards is by using their home made time machine and checking what the reaction is of the writer once getting a book cover. If the reaction is to little, no cover. The 30 people with the best reactions get the cover. Simple as that. :D

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Rikla — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:32:22 -0500

The ones with the monkeys were close, but still off. For every person who finishes their book, they assign a monkey. What follows is a LOT of games rock-paper-scissors, as each monkey who manages to win for their assigned writer advances, while the losers are thrown into a lower bracket. Finally, the top 15 monkeys from the upper and lower brackets are found, and their writers get the covers!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ZNZ — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:36:12 -0500

They write all the titles on pieces of paper and burn them ceremonially, as an offering to the Great Penguin. The ones that don't burn get covers.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

rasei — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:27:11 -0500

random name generator... They put all the user names into a random name generator and have pick about 30 times.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

missamanda12 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:15:39 -0500

Here is way really happens. After everyone writes the novel, the spirits of the Underworld watch. As soon as they are done, they scramble for the most names they can get. They then carry as many usernames as possible and fly back to the Underworld(those dropped in the River Styx will perish forever) the Hades(who uses this ritual as a remdepetion trail as the last person didn't bow low enough) throws all the names in pot of bones. The 60 ones he finds get the covers, oh wait only 30? why yes, one last challenge. The usernames have to get back to the regular world, so most get stuck, about only 30 get there. The FIRST 30 get the cover:)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ghk1962 — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:22:31 -0500

The voices tell them who to pick. At least that is what the voices told me to tell you all.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

leolewis — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:28:00 -0500

I have to agree with you.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

chromadestino — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:15:07 -0500

Preeeeeetty sure they use a handbag full of rainbows, bunnies, sharks, Lucky Charms, Red Bull, and popcorn. Lots and lots of popcorn. In all seriousness though, I never knew about this. Haha, it'll be exciting to see what gets turned out.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ObiKimono — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:30:58 -0500

Nice touch on the last part. XD

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Delyn — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:33:22 -0500

No really this is how it works, There is a great prophecy, because you know there is always a great prophecy. Then there is a epic battle, because... well you get it. In this battle each wrimo participant is assigned a champion who must battle the other champions, while avoiding the TSoD, stepping on plot bunnies, being shoved through the Fourth Wall, pesky plot ninjas, the damned Trebuchet someone shoved into the arena and Mr. Ian Woon, who likes to wander around. Only the last 30 surviving champion's wrimos get covers.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Rejected.Prodigy — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:17:08 -0500

I'm pretty sure Fornits are the real culprits. Stephen King reference, aha. :D Little elves that drive you insane, and you must keep them safe or they will die and take your inspiration with them! >:|

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

PhantomDream — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:07:49 -0500

Like too!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

BOSCARESQUE — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:36:47 -0500

I think it would be the other way around.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Emperorgame — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:31:36 -0500

I say they take 15 games of Scrabble and take all the pieces out then glue them to a wall in a random order. They then have three people stand in a row and shoot at the wall with paintball gun and whatever piece has the most paint on it is a letter they make note of on a sheet of paper or dry erase board. After they get 3 or 4 letters then then search through the nominees to see who has those letters in their username. Then after then get that list of names they attempt to lower them down even more by putting those names on large block and have 50 people throw eggs to vote. Whatever name has the most egg remnants on it after 5 dozen eggs wins. They repeat the process 30 times.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Voice — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:31:22 -0500

Well I simple just think that they choose the most promoted, viewed, liked, loved, and completed from each category and then put covers. But there was covers? Seriously? That's so cool! I hope I get one.. Sorry if I sound very noob-ish. But this is my first year here. :D I hope I do good! :D

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

dianne_the_geek — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:37:08 -0500

They tie them onto the heads of sharks and then drop those sharks into a tank w/ even more sharks, and these have friggin' lasers on their heads. Any names that aren't too soggy or too crispy to read get covers. Dinosaurs are also possibly involved.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

jbj1951 — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:46:26 -0500

Have you really read any Poe? If he comes rapping on your chamber door, what else will he bring?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Shawn West — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:33:40 -0500

One got covered cause it was raining, another when it snowed Once for the hot sun blazing, another against the cold Some get coverage in the forums, with praise and acclamation Others are forced to take cover, from scorn and condemnation But November’s best kind of coverage, surely everyone knows Writing through the chill of night, is the one that covers your toes

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Soupnazi — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:45:42 -0500

OH. Of course--I just remembered. It's the brainwashing walrus.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Sunday — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:29:43 -0500

You, sir, get a cookie.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Mudge the Expendable — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:23:11 -0500

Y'uh-huh, that's what the voices said, yessir it is. Believe.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Riishi — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:24:37 -0500

I hate to be so dull, but on the subject of nomination selection, anyone know if all the nominations have to be in before November? Or are they accepting them throughout the month as well?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Eastlew13 — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:46:06 -0500

Ninja leprechauns......? Wish there was a way to do voice recording..... Where's ma sake

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Sunday — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 00:19:41 -0500

If we're going to go off last year, they won't be accepting nominations until around the 20th of November. Which means that 20 will probably not be chosen from the nominations at all.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

TearsOnAJournal — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 08:24:09 -0500

They write down100 usernames on pieces of paper and attach them to 100 chairs. Then they invite 100 friends and staff people to play musical chairs. They play Lady Gaga's music (or anyone's music but it has to be dancey), and then whichever 30 chairs are occupied by the end of the album are the chairs with the 30 usernames of whoever gets a cover this year. Or Because it's Halloween season, they build the coolest, most scariest haunted house with real ghosts, killers and whatnot. They invite all the staff people, friends, families and extended families to randomly select a great number of usernames. Then all those people have to walk into the haunted house carrying the username. Whoever chickens out loses. And the first 30 who get to the end of the haunted house get congratulated by Chris Baty wearing a Dumbledore costume :D

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

1One1SmartCookie — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:14:08 -0500

The staff set up a fake ''resturaunt'' and with their food they stuff a username in each fortune cookie they serve. The 'waiters' and 'waitresses' instruct them to open their cookie inside the resturaunt and they write down the username on a peice of paper. They then take all of the usernames collected and throw away the others (or give them to a desperate charity) and have an expert hider hide them in a huge room. They take 10 or so people and instruct them to find five peice of paper each. After that is done, they take the 50 peices of paper and play a bingo game with them. The first 30 people to win will lift up their bingo platter and see a username scrawled onto a thin peice of paper under it. These will be the book cover names. I hope mine gets picked that way :P =33

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

thegreatescape2014 — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:42:06 -0500

They take a bunch of paper plates and write one username on every one until they have every NaNo-er on a plate. Then they travel to Antartica and lay out all the plates on the ice where the penguins huddle to keep warm. The penguins come and do their thing, then once their are done, the 30 plates with the most....remains....left on them, win!!!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ShinyRaikou — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:10:08 -0500

They go to the agoption center, adopt a prophecy, and that prophecy decides.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

luvinpadfoot — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:34:48 -0500

No no no, you guys are all wrong. Obviously Chris Baty has his pet monkey spell out the first letter of the usernames of each 30 usernames using American Sign Language, then everyone from the Office of Letters and Light get together and throw an awesome party where they spin a giant wheel to find out the first 29 users. The last one is then picked by Chris Baty himself after doing an ancient Indian tribal dance. I mean, duh. ;)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

PurpleCity — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:13:36 -0500

Ah.. I bet they go through endless games of noughts and crosses till they decide which lucky people get a cover :')

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Lonaneomaflame — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:38:28 -0500

I second that.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Zarubavella — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:46:39 -0500

I literally laughed for like 3 minutes straight over this.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Guen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:27:43 -0500

In regards to high versus low resolution, using a program like GIMP or Photoshop, one can change the resolution (dpi) to 300 (which is the required dpi for CreateSpace), enabling the use of the book cover for a proof copy. Not the cleanest way to make cover art, but it definitely works (my sister has done this, and holds that proof copy in high regard).

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

leolewis — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:09:28 -0500

The second one is totally awesome. You really could make that your NaNo novel this year. :)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

The_Seventh_Sage — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:24:16 -0500

Drunk goose from the Aristocats FTW :D!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ReikoZena — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:47:21 -0500

Ninja...leprechauns... Heh, and I thought I was weird when it came to thinking about these things. Nice little comic relief for my day.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ShadowofDoubt — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:08:35 -0500

The real way it works is that once you've chosen your username a human in hibernation on a planet of Mice men where they are tattooed with the username they awoke too. The recently awoken human is sent to the not to distant zombie infested future were they are to survive on supplies and weapons given according to the quality of your novel and your participation in all that is NaNoWrMo. The last 30 survivors get to go back to the Mice mens home world where there given a wish or a sandwich (they choose). The username is then read off the survivors and emailed to the NaNoWrMo headquarters in a castle on the moon guarded by a troll who's very cranky cause he has a tummy ache from eating to much cheese......

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Dinh Thai Minh Trang — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:03:34 -0500

yep, i'm so curious about that, i wish that my novel would be chosen. THat's a miracle.:)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Arlette — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:43:23 -0500

Isn't it obvious? Deep in the basement of Chris Baty's house is his pet platypus. His name is Steve. Once a year, just before NaNo begins, they dump a bucket of alphabet cookies into his cage and wait until he has eaten all but 30 of them. Then they take these 30 rejected cookies and compile a list, one for each cookie, of all the usernames whose middle letter is the same as the cookie. (To expedite the process, those users who have an even number of letters in their usernames are automatically disqualified. Sorry.) After that, they assign each designer to a list, and call up the local feng shui practitioner to predict which user would have the most fortuitous marriage with said designer. In the event of a tie, the user whose post count is the closest to a multiple of 42 is the one who gets the cover.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Mabsoot-Monster — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:16:25 -0500

So either way, you could get a cover if you REALLY wanted, just have to go see the Artisans :)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

A.Liberman — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:32:38 -0500

Hopefully a nice bottle of Amontillado. Then we could slowly go mad together, though I fear drunken revels with E.A. Poe would end in one or both of us buried alive.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Erienne — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:09:32 -0500

These are the most ridiculous answers I've ever heard! What is wrong with you people? Whoever asked this is obviously looking for a straight and honest answer! Goodness, you people. I have no faith in you anymore. ...After all! Everyone knows it involves Mermaids and Waffles!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Attiya Latif — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:22:10 -0500

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

thomas_pitt — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:25:28 -0500

Surely it involves terrible rituals to the Old Ones and sacrifices on the steps of pagan alters? I'd dare say many an intern and so-called 'volunteer' of yours has died after having all their internal organs mysteriously appear in a clay jar shaped like Cthulu.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

marywrite — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:41:42 -0500

Yep!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

marywrite — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 05:46:32 -0500

The vision of ninja leprechauns is hard to erase.,,,,

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

thebanite — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:51:03 -0500

A group of trackers trained in divination approach a forest. There are several entry points to the forest. The divinator-trackers read these "in-trails" for the proper username.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

wonderland.alex — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:31:37 -0500

Completly off-topic but your icon. Teahouseeeeeee. Yum.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Erienne — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:47:01 -0500

You know it! XD :3 My favorite is actually Linneus, because he's so sweet, but I couldn't say no to Rhys and Axel....especially looking like that! It was just the right size too! =3=3

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

tigerlily515 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 07:17:06 -0500

I am sure that the Illuminati are involved. They always are.........

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

PollyJ — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:53:44 -0500

You're all wrong. it is crows. A crow is dispatched to watch each new Nanowriter who signs up. The crow watches their habits and behaviour for a couple of days and then reports back. Those most crow-like are chosen. I've stocked up on carrion, bread and twigs and have also taken to sitting on the roof. Therefore I expect to hear back soon.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

unconventionalwriter — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:59:29 -0500

Aww, someone stole my stolen thread :( Cats, that's all I'll say for now. Lots of cats.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

iHeartache — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:53:28 -0500

Remember, remember the 1st of November. On Halloween night, when the clock strikes midnight, thousands of cloaked Nano agents flood the night. BONG! On the first sound of the clock, they take the place of the nightwatchman, the late night baristas, and the sleeping fireman. BONG! On the second sound of the clock, they replace the bus drivers, the taxi drivers, and the early morning talk show hosts. BONG! On the third sound of the clock they inhabit your neighbors, your friends, and your family. BONG! On the fourth sound of the clock you wake with a startle, because something feels different. And without you knowing, they watch you throughout your writing process. They monitor your word count and your creative process. They creep into your windows and hack into your hard drive. Your documents aren't safe. Your imagination is being tested. I'm not saying that your story has been compromised, but you have been warned.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Evanescent_esprit — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:25:49 -0500

God I know!! xD So much win its insane.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Evanescent_esprit — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:29:52 -0500

I love you. xDD

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Evanescent_esprit — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:31:53 -0500

Where is the like button. lol

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

LouellaNelson — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:34:45 -0500

You artists are having a lot more fun than all us angst-ridden writers. We could use a little of your creativity and lay-back! It's good to have the creative vibe in the neighborhood and thanks for making covers. Good luck with your challenge! P.S. It's cats AND crows and a little Poe thrown in....

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Risk Keaton — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:55:28 -0500

First, take away all novels written in script form. Remove ones with horrible grammar or lack of quotes around the speech. Remove the ones about people with cat ears. Remove ones about characters that are all-powerful and all-knowing. Remove all that end out telling you it was all a dream. Take the remaining novels and write each on a slip of paper, take them up on a helicopter, and drop them all over New York City, where a bunch of NaNoWriMo people will be released (having no idea what is going on) and hopefully make it back to home base with 30 slips collectively.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

saharea — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:34:00 -0500

I really could use a cover for a vampire werewolf book...hints!!! holds out paws in a cute begging jester! It is from last years nano I took to a full book it is being edited by a friend. I just need cover art work! love you guys! saharea.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

hikarikame — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:23:11 -0500

Slave labor it be. All you people, you know nothing. AHAHAHAHA. And not only slave labor, CHILD labor. And not only child labor, BABY labor. All the usernames of every nanowriter is written on the walls, toys, ground, paper, food, aprons, etc. Meanwhile, all the midwives and babysitters of these babies watch to see which names are swallowed, ingested, cried at, barfed on, pooped on, laughed at, pushed away, taken home, etc. Wait...so...we ALL should win now right? Right? :DDD

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

StarvingScriptWriter — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:27:23 -0500

Then, as a person of Irish descent, I'm a shoe-in! Fan-tastic!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Eurphaessa — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:49:29 -0500

I so sure it's the coffee packet theory. It's like going "Here, do this project just because! What, you don't want to? But I've got coff~ee~!" Shipped with it's own bribe...

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Silath1996 — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:11:41 -0500

They contact the angels of the Lord (Supernatural version, just FYI) and send a few to Castiel under the lake. These angles then send them to random hunters around the globe. Most of these hunters won't read them, or can't, or are maybe having a bit of trouble with an angry spirit and are unable to come to the phone write now, but the others will skim read them. If they like the look of it, they call in an angel to collect it, and the first 30 that are collected are then given back and used.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

BoBanda — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:33:08 -0500

Is there a time limit on when you get the book finished after you win? You get to edit it and all after Nanowrimo, right? i don't want to have a manuscript of all my blabberings...

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

LucehKinqueer. — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:13:14 -0500

Guize, it is OBVIOUSLY that they throw 75 cats, 9 rats and 38 random children picked up off of the street into the coastal waters of Somalia. Leave them be for 83 days with nothing but a note each (not the rats and cats, of course - they're in on this all) explaining 4different things: 1) they have partially been kidnapped but it's all good because the parents don't really mind. 2) Pirates feast on children. 3) To get home safe you must take part in a similar event to The Hunger Games only don't kill anyone 'cause that's illegal. Unless it's a pirate. You HAVE to kill them. 4) You must choose a sponser. They do nothing for you. After each pirate killing you must scream the sponser's name as loud as possible. In the end, whoever has caused the most amount of complaints because of noise pollution (through screaming the name of their sponser) gets to go home without a kidney. Repeat 30 timez.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

LucehKinqueer. — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:14:56 -0500

And all off those that begin with "One day..."

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

UltimatelyMcAwesome — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:54:45 -0500

What happens is they put 100 of the NaNo usernames that reached 50k in an envolope and send it to themselves using American Postal Services. They get thirty back, give or take a few znd the repeat the process. Then they get all the 'winning' envolopes and send them using the APS. And then they get thirty winners!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

RebekahW — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:05:14 -0500

They tattoo each NaNo username into the scalp of random people they grabbed outside Walmarts across the country. The then deposit these people in random locations across the country and wait for them to find their way home. Each home has been bugged, so the first thirty people to make it back are kidnapped again and their tattoos checked. After their tattoos are checked, those batch of thirty people are locked in a room and trained as graphic artists for next year's 30 covers, 30 days event.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

wallsbm — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:10:12 -0500

hopefully its for the best Christopher Walken impressions.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Alais DuBois — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:46:02 -0500

I suspect the Nargles are behind it.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Thieums — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:10:16 -0500

A wizard did it!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

author_of_my_life — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:38:11 -0500

it would be incredibly cool if it was the frog theory. possible too.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

MiaarXxX — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:30:53 -0500

Or maybe they get Gabriel/The Trickster to to trap Sam and Dean in 'NaNoWriMo Land' (a bit like TV Land i Changing Channels) and what ever 30 stories they 'act out their parts' best in, are the ones that are chosen? Either way, if Gabriel's involved, there's bound to be some kind of disatser.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

silver feathers — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:39:23 -0500

I like your theory. It's the most complicated and coolest.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

SunstarPhoenix — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:44:47 -0500

I wonder if they're related to those blasted ninja mosquitos... -Kai

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

SunstarPhoenix — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:50:23 -0500

I'm pretty sure it's the characters of our stories themselves. They wait and listen as we type frantically about their lives, making sure to whisper just what they want to happen in our ears at night or broadcasting images into our dreams. Those that feel as if we have done our best put in their votes for who should get the cover drawn. If we aren't true their whisperings enough then they check in with characters from other Nanowrimo novels and cast their votes for them. Either way, they are aware that only 30 novels will be allowed covers, so they cast their votes with extreme prejuidice. Pretty sure that my characters will never vote for me just because I cause horrible thing to happen to them. They're probably saving up all their voting powers to find a way to meet me in real life and get their revenge, up close and personal. *looks terrified but can't stop herself from writing more* IT'S IN MY FINGERS! THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO!!! -Kai

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

chloe617 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 18:38:45 -0500

I think they use the James and The Giant Peach method. It's simple, really. They travel to the island of Lanili, where giant peaches grow. Once a peach is found, it's hollowed out by goblins. Next, all of the submissions are piled into the peach and the peach is rolled into the ocean. It is watched over by people in pink hot air balloon. If the wind is good the peach should make it to New York City. When it's there, the peach is opened up and the submissions who survived are chosen!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

roots — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 07:50:42 -0600

I didn't know they picked 30 covers for a finished novel--how stupid and novel is that!!! But this is my first time.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

roots — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 08:01:15 -0600

now I've thought about it--ants could be the answer. they jig along in a line. they could flip a name from a pile of names and carry it like a leaf to a container and drop it in--solved. Ones that make it into the nest are out. The others are put back until only thirty survive. Thousand of ants-shouldn't take long.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

aNGELIC mURDER — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:18:05 -0600

They make each synopsis fight to the death.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Kree'nteth — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:44:50 -0600

Of course it's the ninjas! Why do you think they're always telling us to "add ninjas" when we are in doubt? They don't even have to be real ninjas! Theory: They take oranges, sharpie them to look like ninjas then digitize them and insert them into the 'net. These orange ninjas (there are 32 of them) patrol for the strangest, coolest, weirdest and ninja-y-ist novels and users, then they monitor them for the addition of ninjas(real or not). When enough ninjas are added, the orange ninjas return to the dojo and report to sensei (working on who this is) and those 30 are given covers (the other 2 are for the ninjas that are bound to be out-ninjed by the ninjas in the novel they were following). Make sense? Good! I don't get it either, but for the rest of the month I wouldn't eat oranges if I were you, it might be a cousin...

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

sarahthevampire — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:49:31 -0600

I personally believe that they hire some extremely smart monkeys from zoos across Botswana the monkeys do extensive research on every single user and find the thirty with the most interesting criminal records.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Lilia Sparks — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:07:34 -0600

I think that 1. They take all nano's users and write them down. 2. They put each randomly into 20 empty coconuts. (But of course, they have to drink the milk first.) 3. Then they throw each coconut at a target over and over again until one of them breaks. 4. The names from that coconut will be collected and put in a large bowl. 5. Lots of marmots will come and try to lick up the names. 6. The first 90 that are licked up will move on to the final round. (They will get emails.) 7. All of the staff members will stand randomly looking up at the ceiling with their mouths open. 8. One of the interns will feed the names through the ceiling fan. 9. The staff will move around the room randomly while the names are raining down. 10. The first 30 names to be caught in staff's mouths will get a cover!!

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

RainbowunicornofbunnyshapedSUNSHINE — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:51:13 -0600

Hahaha I like this theory xD Sounds fun too

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

-Katlyn- — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:25:22 -0600

Okay... There HAS to be a way to make a novel out of this.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

EvaTheVampireSlayer — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:57:45 -0600

*reads post, falls on the floor laughing*

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

RhiannonG — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:10:25 -0600

[quote=Eastlew13] Ninja leprechauns......? Wish there was a way to do voice recording..... Where's ma sake [/quote] oh. Really. Like.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Cinder-Fox — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:15:26 -0600

Isn't it obvious? They travel to a distant and exotic land. There, they search for a small village that is located in the heart of a forest ridden with Jabberwocky and were-sardines (much more vicious than they sound). Once this village is reached, they enter it in the middle of the night when the only noises heard are the cries of the nocturnal Dwarf Pterodactyls. They send a group of their bravest men and women into a small hut at the edge of the forest where the great medicine man is. They suddenly toss him in a potato sack and retreat from the forest in their hovercrafts. Of course, the great medicine man is expecting this for two reasons. 1. He is psychic! 2. Because it happens the same time every year. They transport the great medicine man to a private facility located in the Swiss Alps. Here, they take him out to the potato sack and place him in a room equivalent to a high-class, very expensive hotel room. After feeding him carts and carts of gourmet foods, they give him a potent wine that puts him right to sleep. Because this sleep is so deep, he is instantly transported to a magical dream realm and embarks on a mighty adventure to consult the Flying Witch Doctor who can't actually fly but likes to say he can for the sake of his reputation. At last, after three days of travelling, the great medicine man meets the Witch Doctor who makes the medicine man preform 7.5 strenuous tasks including scrapping the mold off of his pet sloth's back. Eventually these tasks are preformed and the Witch Doctor conjures up the Spirit of the Endangered Red Silk Butterfly's Caterpillar (SERSaBuC). SERSaBuC starts singing an alluring song in the language of the endangered red silk butterfly's caterpillar. This song states all the usernames of the Chosen Ones. The great medicine man quickly etches these names into a granite stone and runs off. He comes to the nameless tree (it has no name) and uses one of the cricket bats that grow off of the tree to hit the stone tablet against the tree. The tree translates all the usernames into English and presents a paper with all the names on it. After seven days and nights in this magical dream realm, the great medicine man awakens. He doesn't have the paper with him so a ritual is preformed at 1:52 the following morning to conjure a paper. FINALLY, the paper is created... BUT the only way to read it is to cover the paper in lime juice and raccoon saliva. It is then, that the ink of the Chosen Ones' usernames can be seen. The great medicine man is then rushed to the giant catapult outside of the secret facility and it shot back to his forest where he rides a Dwarf Pterodactyl all the way home to await next year's choosing. True story. A Dwarf Pterodactyl told me so.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ohwowitsglow — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:18:46 -0600

I think this one is my favorite...

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

goldengreaser — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:29:43 -0600

My Theory, There is a machine that scans the main characters into a computer program and they battle it out in a battle royal to end all battle royals. Then the last character standing from each fighting class is awarded with a cover for their story.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

wonderland.alex — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:21:06 -0600

I laughed so hard.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

GreekPearl — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:30:49 -0600

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

HeadInTheClouds18 — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:43:16 -0600

It's quite the simple process, really. As soon as November ends, the OLL staff uses their magical wizard wands and future telling powers to collect all the names of next year's WriMos. Over a period of several months, each staff member must take home an equal share of names on tiny slips of paper. They put half of the slips of paper into a coffee can, and half into a fishbowl. At the end of three months, each name is removed and eaten. Whichever names come to them in their dreams are the future recipients. Of course, they come up with very elaborate cover stories. Surfing the synopses. Choosing the ones that sound good. Endless computer searching. Psh. Sure. We all know you eat the names. ^_^

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Bailey Shade — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:44:08 -0600

PSHHHHH What they REALLY do is hide all of the names in a cake and they eat it then the last thirty names left are the winners. DUHHH

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Dbirnbrey — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:58:28 -0600

I thought they were using physic mice who ran maze patterns which formed out usernames? 0__o

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

TopazSpark — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:44:56 -0600

They play cow patty bingo. They grid off a field with all the possibilities, and whenever the cow...uh...does its business--that's the novel that gets a cover today.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

DeanW93 — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:54:49 -0600

I believe that they look over every novel very carefully, understanding the characters and plot points, and then after a nice long ready of every book they dicuss it like a book club to which ones they liked best and decide from there whos novle gets chosen to be published.... OFCOURSE NOT!! What happens is that each writer is found through their username and is teleported to a battlefield where they are dressed as their main characters - Alexander - and made to fight to the death with the weapon of their choice - sawnoff shotgun & magic - when the batle is over only the last survivor will be chosen as the greatest novelest ever. If there are any more survivors the winner gets to take them prisoner and make them write their stories for them. There is no other explination...

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

thesunscreen — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:17 -0600

They have hundreds of unemployed computer programmers hack into every computer registered, then after reading your email and looking through websites you've visted they peruse your novel. Since computer programmers can't read letters, only numbers, they assign each novel a 1 or a 0. Once that is acomplished they seperate the 1's and 0's into different dirty words in binary. The dirtiest words are read in front of a commitee of 12 y/o boys and 17 y/o girls who judge the dirtiest binary words until they reach 50. From those 50 finalists the Nano staff gets blind drunk on pepermint schnapps and they play twister using the story tiles as the game board. This doesn't narrow down the finalists any but it's really fun to watch. Once the subsiquent orgy is over they pick the stories that are stuck to their boddies, before doing the walk of shame around the office looking for their clothing.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

graceland9 — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:56:59 -0600

Just wanted to sum up : I see that the cover artists use marmots, intelligent monkeys, scrabble pieces, ninjas, coconuts (drained of milk first) and ouija boards. Got it. Well, hey, marmots, monkeys, ninjas et al, you completely missed my synopsis! What's up with that???!!! ;)

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

djtrousdale — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:45:19 -0600

I'm of a theory that's a ton simpler and reliable: Stable time loops. I notice it's a part of many theories already postulated. Go into the future, see what's already chosen, and go back and choose it. I know it's not the most exciting thing in the world. That's why the staff, at least once, tempts fate by trying to "modify" this destiny. Watching the chaos unfold is a treat only the staff get to witness.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Unfinished_Masterpiece — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:24:18 -0600

Just don't do it on the day of one of their daughter's wedding....that's impolite. XD

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

JaneAustenSociety — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:49:40 -0600

Okay, this is what I think... They befriend The Doctor (Who Doctor that is) and ask him to help. Of course The Doctor agrees to helping, like he always does. Then they use the Tardis to go into the future to December 1st and see which authors still have their sanity from November, and they choose them. The end. I'm putting off writing 3,000 more words today by posting.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

GeeBlaise — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:10:42 -0600

Yes. It is the answer to all things.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

JJLester — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:15:43 -0600

Is that why there is a deflated ballon stuck in my tree?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

beth1996 — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:05:45 -0600

I reckon that there is a massive bathtub full of tiny slips of paper with all the NaNoWriMo participents. Then, they put a small baby seal into the bathtub and whichever papers fly onto the floor are elimintated. Then, they collect the remaining slips and they send them out by freepost to post offices all over the world, the ones that aren't sent back are then elimintated. Once this process has finished, they then stack a pile of them into ten different top hats. They then produce ten white rabbits who can read. These rabbits choose their favoruites until there is only three per hat. This my friends, is how it is done.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Sciolet — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:41:50 -0600

True story

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

WriterWithFire — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:29:59 -0600

I don't have a clue, and I am not smart enough to come up with a way that's as creative as some the previous posts. I think maybe I'll just copy and paste all the crazy ideas you guys have come up with into one story about them picking a cover,which will make them want to pick me so they have a cover of them picking a cover, and then I will have my 50000 word count done, be a shoe in to get a cover, and will have managed to plagiarize several creative ideas at once while using way too many commas! bwhahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! I will be invincible, and you know what the best part is? (petting my cliche white cat as I turn around in my wheelchair wearing an eyepatch) There is nothing any of you can do about it! I will win this nanowrimo contest and rule the world!!!!! .... World domination is the prize for winning right?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

camocami — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:10:49 -0600

i like this! :D

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Kree'nteth — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:10:27 -0600

Can I get a facebook "like" button for that?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Kree'nteth — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:15:36 -0600

I could believe this, except that NaNo is so epic every year is a fixed point in history so he can;t change who it is...and besides, personally, I would rather not be put under the scrutiny of the Doctor deciding my "sanity" level looking at his mental processes.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Luminosity.of.a.Shadow — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:55:30 -0600

Entrail divination. They carve up roadkill stolen from a West Virginia highway, and then they let a toddler play around in the guts. They interpret the mess to determine the WriMo getting a cover. And then they check the order by bathing the toddler and interpreting the pattern of soap suds in the water.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

WriterWithFire — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:32:34 -0600

That's a pretty good one kid, hey speaking of bathing, and bathrooms, did you remember to fold the end of the toilet paper roll into a point? Haha I love your profile pic, Souleater is no Naruto, but it is a pretty awesome anime.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

WASampson — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:09:22 -0600

A monkey is hooked up to a random number generator. In front of the monkey lies various toys and food. The number generator goes off, and the Monkey will select an item corresponding with that number. A carrier pigeon nearby will pick up the message hidden underneath the items and carry it off to OLL. On each message is a single character. Once they begin to recieve more letters they will begin a search for NaNoers with those letters in their usernames or their titles, in any arrangement. Once they have found all these novelists, they then bring them in for a fight to the death. To the death! Not really, it's an endurance test. They have to be able to write while running an obstacle course in the underworld. After dodging demons and laval balls, anyone who survives and have around 5,000 words ( +- depending on quality and their mood) are chosen to pick from a lottery. Every single NaNo Participant (except these survivor people) are entered into this lottery. These survivors then chose thirty names and voila.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

booklover3.14 — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:26:16 -0600

I suspect nargles are behind it.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

TwilightSparkle — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:15:50 -0600

My theory? The get a giant wheel with all of our usernames on it and spin it 100 times, Wheel of Fortune style. Those 100 names are then tossed into a cage with a bear. The first 50 names that aren't sniffed, eaten, or clawed to bits are taken and then placed in an incinerator, and the ones that burn slowest win covers.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ADuvall — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:10:22 -0600

Bravo. Bravo my good sir.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

ADuvall — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:12:49 -0600

So am I correct in thinking that I've got a dreamers chance in hell of getting chosen? Haha, I suppose I'm better off making my own. lol

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Cbrentner — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:22:57 -0600

Maybe the NaNo Vikings (from whom Chris got the viking hat in the past) hold a drinking party for all the main characters and the last stories standing are sent on to a special sub-realm of Valhalla.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Cbrentner — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:25:06 -0600

Nah, Nargles infest mistletoe and everyone knows that the heliopaths don't suspend their hunting season til the 2nd week of Dec. so the Nargles are still in hiding til then. lol.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Uber Ursus — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:08:20 -0600

They don't. 30 Artists are paid to create covers for novels that DON'T EXIST. It's all one big conspiracy, it's a front for the novel-laundering business.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

britthatsit — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:09:51 -0600

agreed :3

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Filaree — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:41:05 -0600

That explains why there were so many crows on the fence next to my yard last week...and I thought the neighbors had put out bread crumbs again.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

lupus amans — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:38:27 -0600

Wait, I'm confused, why doesn't every one get a cover? we all worked really hard, so why can't we? or what if we make our own cover? What about that? If we make our own can we have a cover? If you haven't guessed I'm new at this. I just love answering questions with more questions. But seriously guys, I'm confused. - Lupus Amans

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

lupus amans — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:39:29 -0600

Holy cow, how are you done already?!? -Lupus Amans

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

lupus amans — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:40:00 -0600

that makes no sense. -Lupus Amans

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Minastauriel — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:27:57 -0600

Yes, this is crazily late. But I am a cursed forum-browser. :) And this is the mostest winningest post I've seen in a while.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Princeshelby — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:41:52 -0600

It's obvious that they ask a lemur, of precisely 8 months, to type on a keyboard (specially designed for lemurs and other similar creatures) for 36 seconds. Then, they translate what he/she/it typed into Morse Code, and rearrange the letters in random order. Then they translate it back to regular letters. They repeat this constantly until they come across a word in Latin. Then they translate that into English. Then they choose the first username they can find with the antonym of that word in it.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

SukainaImam — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:13:37 -0600

I like the way you think :P

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Line_of_Verse — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:44:51 -0600

...wow.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Line_of_Verse — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:49:14 -0600

You guys are all wrong. They vote on which Sesame Street episode they like best, con-tabulate all the votes in numerical and alphabetical order, jaywalk, and then randomly pick them out of a hat. Afterwards they get lost in the woods for nine days, find their way back home, go straight to the kitchen and make themselves sandwiches. Then, they pick which synopsis they like best! =DDDD

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

rosiedoodle — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:38:17 -0600

This is my favourite post. Ever. You are brilliant. Why is there no like button on this?

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Jennifermwcg — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:04:32 -0600

:) It's OBVIOUS they make a bunch of fortune cookies, put the names inside them and paint a number on the outside. They then take a swimming pool of marshmellows (All with nimbers on them) and put a marshmellow eating penguin inside it. The last 50 marshmellows are taken out, and the matching fortune cookies are tossed into an elephant cage while everyone holds a party and eats the rest. The last 30 that aren't crushed are opened and those are the people who get a cover.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Windywords — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:58:39 -0600

What's all this fuss? Really, you know they just search through the synopsis's and decide which ones sound coolest. ...I'm sorry, I went temporarily insane. I just read the nonsense I wrote, I think Nano's getting to me. Really. That's ridiculous! There's no way that could ever happen.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

plumbing101 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 23:25:37 -0600

Great post.By saying this you have hit the head of the nail. Bergenfield Plumbing Plumbing Paterson NJ Sunrise Plumbing Plumbing West Hartford

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Shelbino98 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:24:40 -0600

They print every username there is, cut them into individual strips and send a bag to every wildlife preservation in the world. Then, they scatter the slips of paper near the nesting location of migratory birds who eat the paper and fly to their destination. On the way, they have bowel movements and poop somewhere (obviously). The slips are printed with the username and contact info for OLL, so whoever finds the name splatted on the sidewalk - or their head - knows to call so that the cover can be made.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

EccentricPianist — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:21:56 -0600

Chris Baty travels to Hogwarts on October 31 and consults Dumbledore, who compensates all witches and wizards doing NaNo whose letter was lost in the post on their eleventh birthday (and thus never came) with a free cover.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

Alice Rocker — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:10:42 -0600

You're onto something! Sure, Dumbledore is involved, but, don't forget the part where the take all the titles, write them slips of small paper and put them into Red Vines which are then found throughout the month because Red Vines are just that awesome, and of course, are eaten regularly. Then, the ones that don't accidentally choke people are given to tribal chiefs of the surrounding area to see if they are "bad ju-ju" or not and the ones that ARE, are made into more Red Vines (oh, and they get their covers made.) ^^

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

harrypoter4ever — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:00:07 -0600

No. All wrong. It is Carl the killer llama. The staff members use their cameras to find which nano writer lost their hands. Duh.

Re: How do they choose which novels get a cover?

dofus kamas — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:41:23 -0500

No big deal I have a coup