I said it was long! This list was compiled by Harry Cockburn and boy am I grateful. Harry writes: "I especially like the sound of Idiopathy by Sam Byers – "a novel of love, narcissism and ailing cattle". Yep. That does sound good. Who says that the experimental novel is dead?

Now. I know you want to get voting, but before you do there are important things to note. And if you don't note them, your vote won't matter a mote. I'll stop rhyming now, not least because I want you to read what follows. It's important.

First, look at rule 8 . I'll quote: "A shortlist of six books will be assembled via a readers' vote. To be eligible for this ballot, each voter must have submitted a reader review of one of their chosen titles. Each reader must vote for two books, from two different publishers – changes of mind will be governed by clause four on indecision. Readers will be invited to cast their vote in the comments field of an article published on theguardian.com/books. Voters must include a link to their reader review and the word "vote" in their comment on the associated article. Like we said in clause five. We take no responsibility for the make-up of the Competition shortlist, nor for the continued participation of nominated authors, and we reserve the right to vote ourselves, and to canvas support for nominations the cut of whose jib we happen to like."

Did you catch all that? This means that you've got to review one book, and link to it – and I'll tell you how to do that in a second. But here's the big thing. You have to vote for two books, by two different publishers. So you can still vote for your mate. And you can still get everyone in your office to vote for your mate. Or to vote for the book you've just published. But you have to pick another book too. And so, spread the love.

Right. Back to the review system. Here's a quick step-by-step guide, in case you're confused. It may look like it's cut and pasted from last year's shortlist blog – but I haven't been quite as lazy as you think. There are subtle and important variations. And a new joke! So read all that carefully too.

Let's suppose I want to vote for The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by that youthful prodigy, Alan Garner.

First I go to the search page and enter "Garner Weirdstone" into the search field.

Second, I choose the relevant edition.

Third, I write a review of no fewer than 100 words in which I try to give a flavour of the book and of its plot and to explain why I think the book is important and why others might like it. Then I hit submit.

Fourth, once my deathless prose has appeared on the page I hit the "share" button that appears in the top right-hand corner of the box containing my review. When the link text appears in a little box , I "copy" it.

Fifth, I return to this Not the Booker prize page. I go to the comments box at the bottom. I type "Vote: Alan Garner, The Weirdstone of Brisingamen" into the comments field. After that I type something like: "Here is my review." I highlight that text with my mouse, and hit the button above the comment field that contains a picture of a chain – the link button. A prompt box appears saying "Enter a web address". I paste the copied text in. And then, I remember the really important thing, because I've been concentrating very hard, and nominate another book, by a different publisher. And I know that if I don't I'll have wasted all that time, because my vote won't count. I refrain from saying anything bitter about how complicated this system is. I enjoy the challenge. I relish the chance to promote good fiction. I totally, totally rock. I then hit "post your comment".

Sixth, I make myself a nice cup of tea. I choose non-caffeinated, because I am a calm and I am zen. And then, I see yet another FOOL has nominated different books and I HURL my tea across the room in rage. And now, we know we are in the exciting process of whittling down that longlist. If I like I can return to the comments with a barbed remark about whichever book it is that has annoyed me. Or perhaps, if I am a decent sort, I can instead write something celebrating the marvellous diversity of opinion and taste on display. After that, I can perhaps return to comment some more. But not vote. I can only do that once.

And that's it. Easy. You've got one week to do all that. The deadline is midnight 11 August. Which is to say, the middle of Sunday night ready for an announcement early the following week.

That's the theory, anyway. Last year, our carefully-laid plans resulted in total chaos. That was fun. And kind of part of the plan. But we will understand if you're having trouble with the review system. So if you're really struggling, and can explain why, we'll definitely be prepared to listen. And to count your vote.

And yes, counting them all is going to be even harder than usual. But that's my problem, not yours. Or possibly Harry's. Anyway. All you have to do is review, and vote - and then vote again. Go to it!

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