If your idea is chosen, you send in a ‘playable’ prototype and it seems that you make it as nice as you can. But again, they’ll be making your prototype their own (with their experts making the board) so if your idea is good, the beauty is less important.

“Only send us your very best map: We are only accepting a single official Submission form per participant, with a single Map described on that form. If you have multiple ideas, it is up to you to decide which one is the very best and most likely to capture our attention and the players’ hearts.”

From the Official rules:
“In consideration for reviewing your submission, you hereby warrant that you hold, and assign and convey, all rights in the submission (including copyrights, trademark rights, and patent rights) to Sponsor free and clear of all liens, claims, encumbrances or further payment obligations.”

Mark – Days of Wonder

Also, I have made some for personal use, but these might involve trademark issues if they were to be published. Would DoW consider boards that could mean they need to do some legal leg-work, or should I stick to submitting boards without such issues.