I would definitely check out this thread on the Paizo Boards:
http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/rpgSuperstar/general/questions&page=2#856058 ... with special attention paid to this cat:
Clark Peterson Sat. 6:59PM
"If I was entering the contest this year, I would do the following:
1. Read and understand the rules. Don't goof up something that gets
your item insta-kicked.
2. Read the winning items from last year. They are great examples.
3. Read the relevant discussion threads from last year, not just this
year. I GUARANTEE you that last year's contestants would have LOVED to
have had these threads as sources of information. If you fail to use
them you have really passed up a huge resource.
Clark"