Crossword Compiler Forums

[awestruck 06]

I am new to Crossword Compiler and am still learning how to use the software and design crosswords. I would like to make some simple crosswords and send them in to a publisher, but I'm no where ready to send the crosswords I would make to the New York Times, or any large newspapers. Are there smaller publications that would take homemade crossword puzzles, and how can I go about finding them? Also, do I just send in a finished crossword and hope that they take it, or should I ask them for a form, or send information on who I am and what I am doing? Curious minds want to know how these things work. Thanks for any help.

[domino]

awestruck06

I`m sure you're not alone in asking this question, as for most of us it's very satisfying to see our work published, and hopefully get paid at the same time...

My interest is in tightly themed crosswords rather than the cryptic or general knowldege variety, so at least I have the benefit of knowing the publications that might be at least prepared to look at my work, even so making the first breakthrough wasn`t easy at first.

I've been told on many occasions that it's easier to get published if you've already been published "catch 22".

However I worked on the idea that there are more people writing newsletters than you can shake a stick at, and it shouldn`t be hard to find a few who would welcome a free contribution of a crossword for each issue... It turned out I was right and I contributed some simple general knowledge crossword to three or four local newsletters plus the local magazine advertiser.

Even though the crosswords weren`t of the type that I`m interested in, it was an extremely valuable experience in compiling, working to deadlines, and prepering the packages for the publishers. Most importantly though I could state quite honestly I had been published, and had the copies to prove it.

Meanwhile I`d been preparing a pitch for the magazines I really wanted to compile for on the subjects that really interested me, aircraft and computer themes as it happens...

My next step was to create a few (what I thought at least ) were quite snappy puzzles to forward to editors as demos.

The next step was to select the mags I was most interested in to see whether or not they were already featuring a crossword.. if not I visited their Website to find contact info and got in touch. Mostly they had contact pages and email addresses for the various key people so this seemed to be the way to go... Wrong... Not a single reply from any of them. I followed up with a phone call but couldn`t get anywhere near the decision makers.

It only left the regular mail....

I sent each Editor of my target magazines a letter consisting of 2 sheets.
1. A letter explaining about myself and the features and benefits of my Crossword Products and a pricing scheme.
2. A printout of a sample themed 12x12 crossword that I felt would match the "tone" of their particular magazine.

Of the ten letters sent 7 replied personally and two actually telephoned me on receipt to commission a series to "see how they go." Apparently OK as they keep coming back for more... I`m expecting a third to sign up soon.

I also have a "Crossword Product" for magazines and newsletters that need a focus for a sponsor or a prize.

I have no idea about how the well established mainstream newspapers recruit their compilers, but think of your puzzles as a "Product" and go out and sell them.

Good Luck
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