Cost and Steps to Become a Professional Crossword Puzzle Constructor

Introduction to Crossword Puzzling

Crossword puzzles have been a popular pastime for decades, providing entertainment and mental stimulation to puzzle solvers around the world. Many people enjoy relaxing with a crossword puzzle daily, while competitive puzzlers take their hobby even further by competing in tournaments and chronicling their completion times. Crosswords can be found in most newspapers, as standalone books, and on various digital platforms. The puzzles vary in difficulty, from simple puzzles with straightforward clues to complex ones full of obscure references. Constructing the perfect crossword puzzle is an artform that combines creativity and wordplay.

Creating a new crossword puzzle from scratch requires some initial investments. This includes software, reference materials, subscriptions to puzzle publications, and more. The cost to start building your own puzzles can range from $50 to $500 depending on your goals and commitment level. With some diligence and practice, you can become skilled at constructing intricate and clever crosswords to entertain solvers. The crossword community also provides opportunities to sell puzzles, earn money, and gain recognition for your work.

Obtaining Crossword Construction Software

The first step in creating crossword puzzles is obtaining software built specifically for the purpose. While it's possible to handdraw crossword grids, specialized software makes building puzzles much easier. The software handles the grid layout, provides clue numbering, checks word placement, and allows you to edit clues and grid design on the fly. Most constructors use crossword-specific software to save significant time and effort compared to hand-construction.

Popular crossword software options include Crossword Compiler, CrossFire, Crossword Maestro, and Crossword Puzzle Maker. These programs range in price from $30 to $100 for desktop licenses. There are also web-based applications like PuzzleMaker and Crossword Labs with subscriptions around $20 to $40 per year. The investment in software will pay off over time through faster, higher-quality puzzle building.

Key Features of Crossword Construction Software

• Grid formatting and numbering
• Word placement checking
• Clue entry and editing
• Symmetrical grid arrangement
• Different puzzle styles and formats
• Dictionary and word list databases
• Auto fill-in of words
• Clue difficulty ratings
• Terminology and shorthand for grid design
• Export options to various file types

Try demo versions of software to find the best match for your preferences. Look for a program that's easy to learn, flexible for different puzzle styles, and fits within your budget.

Building Up a Relevant Vocabulary

Another key investment for new crossword constructors is developing a strong vocabulary focused on words likely to appear in puzzles. Study glossaries, thesauruses, and other word lists to build your arsenal of possible answers. Expanding your vocabulary takes time and ongoing learning.

Some ways to improve your vocab for crossword construction:

• Read dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference books
• Study word roots, origins, and etymologies
• Memorize glossaries of unusual words
• Learn prefixes, suffixes, and word endings
• Peruse old crossword puzzles for answer word ideas
• Brush up on technical terminology, slang, abbreviations
• Be an avid reader of all kinds of literature

Your personal word list will grow over the course of your puzzling avocation. Maintain organized notes on new words you encounter that may make good future answers. Targeting your vocabulary study to common crossword answers will make construction much easier.

Sources for Crossword Word Education

• Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary
• Word Buff vocabulary reference books
• Lists of unusual words and trivia
• Foreign language dictionaries
• Historical and biographical references
• Textbooks on specific subjects
• Rhyming dictionaries
• Books of idioms, expressions

Devouring books, references, and lists related to crossword-friendly words is key to growth as a constructor. Boosting your vocabulary takes commitment but rewards you with more options when building inventive puzzles.

Studying Crossword Conventions and Terminology

Mastering the conventions and lingo of crossword puzzle construction is also important. There are accepted standards for style, formatting, and terminology that experienced constructors use. Learning key terms and abbreviations used in editing and amending puzzles saves time in the construction process.

Some examples of editor shorthand and labels:

• REF - reference needed for a questionable clue
• DUPE - duplicate entry for a clue
• CD or ? - unclear or questionable clue
• HH - hidden hint needed in the clue
• ANS - answer word doesn't match the clue

Other labels indicate locations on the grid, lengths of answers, types of clues, and more. Studying crosswordese - the language of crossword puzzles - allows for effective communication with test solvers and editors when improving your puzzles.

Components of Proper Crossword Clueing

• Straight or quick clues - directly stating the answer
• Wordplay - clues involving puns, rhymes, double meanings
• Anagrams - clues requiring rearranging letters
• Fill-in-the-blank - clues with a missing word
• Allusions - clues that reference people, places, art, etc.

Using varied types of clues creates more interesting and lively puzzles. Getting feedback from test solvers will help you master great clueing technique.

Invest time learning the standards of crossword puzzle construction from style guides, puzzle publications, and constructor workshops or events. Fluency in crosswordese will improve your skills.

Subscribing to Relevant Publications

Staying current on clues, answers, and conventions used in published crosswords provides helpful examples to learn from. Subscribe to major newspaper and magazine publications that feature puzzles like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Work through puzzles on a daily basis, making note of creative clues and unfamiliar vocabulary.

Some leading crossword publications to consider:

• The New York Times
• Games World of Puzzles
• Simon & Schuster Crossword Puzzle Book Series
• American Values Club Crossword
• Newsday Crossword
• LA Times Crossword
• The Washington Post
• USA Today

Local newspapers also run crosswords you can peruse for inspiration. Evaluate both themes and execution when completing published puzzles to further develop your construction skills.

Joining Crossword Organizations and Forums

Membership in crossword puzzle organizations provides access to constructor communities, training, publishing opportunities, and more. Leading groups include:

• American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
• National Puzzlers' League
• American Crossword Puzzle Constructors Association
• The Crosswords Club

Active online crossword forums are also helpful for connecting with experienced constructors to learn from. Stay engaged with fellow puzzlers and the crossword community at large to continually improve.

Investing in Reference Materials

A library of reference books aids the crossword construction process by providing clues, answer words, and fact-checking assistance. Collect materials like:

• Almanacs
• Thesauruses and dictionaries
• Atlases
• Subject-specific textbooks on biology, literature, etc.
• Rhyming dictionaries
• Books on mythology, religions, philosophy
• Trivia books
• Quotation collections

Reference e-books and online databases can supplement your physical collection as well. poured over during the puzzle-building process will benefit your work. Double-checking clues for accuracy avoids errors.

Focus on subject areas common in crosswords like geography, American history, pop culture, literature, sports, and wordplay. Build up a wide-ranging personal library over time to consult when fact-checking or seeking inspiration.

Testing Puzzles with Focus Groups

Once you begin constructing puzzles, testing them with focus groups provides feedback to improve your skills. Recruit friends, family members or colleagues who enjoy crosswords to evaluate puzzle quality, clarity of clues, degree of difficulty, and more. Experienced solvers from crossword clubs and tournaments also make ideal testers.

Capture any criticisms, confusion over interpretations, unknown vocabulary, or errors found during the testing process. Refine and tweak your puzzle based on the feedback before submitting to publishers. Multiple rounds of testing will build your editing abilities and result in higher quality puzzles.

Joining Crossword Constructor Workshops and Conferences

Attending crossword constructor workshops and conferences offers training directly from expert setters. These events cover fundamentals like grid layouts, symmetry, themes, filling grids, and clueing as well as tricks of the trade. You'll also get to know fellow constructors and make connections within the crossword community.

Leading events include:

• American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
• Indie 500 Crossword Tournament
• National Puzzlers' League Convention
• American Crossword Puzzle Constructors Association Seminars
• Crosswords LAX Tournament and Seminars

Look for workshops at crossword events focused on improving skills for new setters. The investment in specialized instruction can boost the quality of your puzzles.

Attending Virtually During COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in crossword events shifting to virtual formats through platforms like Zoom. While in-person events are starting to resume, many are still offering a virtual attendance option. Take advantage of virtual access to participate from anywhere while still connecting with the constructor community.

Submitting Puzzles to Publishers

As your constructing skills progress, consider submitting puzzles to potential publishers like newspapers, magazines, books, websites, and other media. Focus on outlets that accept submissions from new constructors or hold contests open to all. Print and digital publishers sometimes provide direct feedback from editors on puzzle submissions that aids improvement.

A few publishers welcoming new constructor submissions:

• The New York Times
• The Washington Post
• The Wall Street Journal
• Games World of Puzzles
• Simon & Schuster Puzzles
• Penny Press Variety Puzzles
• Andrews McMeel Universal
• The Puzzle Society
• L.A. Times
• Universal Uclick
• King Features
• USA Today

Earning acceptance and pay for published puzzles is rewarding. Getting your foot in the door with various publishers takes persistence and great puzzle designs.

Pursuing Crossword Construction as a Career

With dedication and commitment to mastering the art of crossword construction, some setters successfully transition to full-time careers. However, earning a consistent living solely from crossword work takes time. Plan for gradual progress from a passionate hobby into supplemental income, eventually perhaps becoming a primary job.

Ways to monetize crossword puzzle constructing abilities:

• Sell puzzles to major publications for a fee
• Publish books of your collected puzzles
• Make custom crosswords for brands
• Release subscription puzzle series
• Freelance edit and test other constructors' puzzles
• Write crossword solving guides
• Judge crossword tournaments
• Teach crossword construction

Top constructors can earn upwards of $500 per puzzle published in major media. Consistently landing work with paying outlets is feasible after getting established. Some also supplement income from crosswords with other writing, editing, and language-related jobs.

Turning your passion into a full-time crossword career takes hard work but is possible. Starting out around $50 to $500 can provide the foundational tools and training to hone skills over time.

Future of Crosswords in the Digital Age

While print newspapers and puzzle books remain strong, crosswords are also transitioning into digital formats. Web and mobile apps for puzzles are gaining popularity, providing convenience but reducing income for constructors. New revenue models continue to emerge, along with hybrid print/digital crossword subscriptions. Constructors themselves are using technology like AI to assist the creative process.

The rewarding pastime of crossword solving retains appeal across generations. Passionate puzzlers ensure ongoing demand for expert constructors and innovative puzzles. As methods of construction and distribution evolve, fresh opportunities arise for talented crossword creators.Conclusion

The journey into professional-level crossword puzzling requires commitment but brings tremendous satisfaction. While software, reference materials, and ongoing practice require some financial investment, the cost can be minimal to start. Patience and perseverance developing your skills will serve you well. Crossword fans are sure to appreciate and enjoy the clever grids you devise for their solving pleasure and brainpower.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.