A journalist acquaintance says:
They do put together a short-list of contenders in each category; often
they’ll contact the people to let them know they’re being considered.
Me: I had not heard this. I was under the impression deliberations are kept secret by Nobel by-laws. If Sheehan was in fact contacted by the Nobel committee that would be very interesting to know. If she’s making it up, as I assumed, that would be interesting to know too.