From: hamel@uakari.primate.wisc.edu (Ray Hamel)
Newsgroups: rec.puzzles.crosswords
Subject: Crossword construction kit
Date: 7 Sep 1992 10:19:21 -0500
Organization: UW-Madison Primate Center
NNTP-Posting-Host: uakari.primate.wisc.edu


	If you're interested in getting some cheap materials
about how to write crosswords for fun and profit (mostly profit in
this article), read this article from CROSS WRD Magazine

Ray Hamel
University of Wisconsin
==============================================================

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - INQUIRE WITHIN
     by Stanley Newman  [From CROSSW RD Magazine,
          September/October 1992]
 
     In today's world of economic uncertainty and corporate
downsizing, it's nice to know that there's one growth industry
left.  Qualified people in this field are in exceedingly short
supply right now, so this is the perfect time for you to consider
becoming part of it.  The pay is better-than-average, you can
start part-time, and you can work entirely out of your home.  If
this sounds appealing, you're invited to enter the wonderful
world of crossword constructing.
     Prior experience is not necessary.  Qualified applicants
will receive all necessary training from a professional crossword
editor.  There is one important qualification, though.  You must
be an experienced crossword solver with a high level of
discernment for puzzle quality.  (Solvers who think its perfectly
OK to have grid entries like AALII and ZYZZYVA, and who prefer
their definitions taken right out of the dictionary need not
apply.)  If you appreciate the interesting themes, lively clues
and wordplay of today's best crosswords, such as the ones in this
magazine, please read on.
     The current shortage of constructors is most acute for 15x15s
and 21x21s in the major markets, such as puzzle clubs, magazines
and this writer's syndicated Newsday crosswords.  This shortage seems
to defy the laws of supply and demand, since these markets are also the 
highest-paying ones.  Their rates for 15x15 average $50, and they pay
approximately $150 for 21x21s.
     But, on closer examination, the shortage isn't difficult to
explain.  Although one-well known crossword editor is frequently quoted
as saying that there are 500 capable constructors in the U.S. today, in
reality there are less than 50 who create consistently first-rate puzzles.
(The rest toil in non-bylined obscurity for the lesser puzzle magazines
and syndicates.)  And these constructors are, to say the least, overworked.
Many of them have regular jobs and can't make very many puzzles.  The
rest, no more than 35 constructors considered to be at the top of
their profession, are constantly beseeched by editors for more puzzles.
	In the past 10 years, the markets for top-quality puzzles have in
fact grown much faster than the pool of available constructors.  This has
led, unfortunately, to editors being forced to go to the "second tier"
of constructors to fulfill their editorial requirements.  Editors don't like
to do this, since puzzles from these constructors require a lot more
editing before they're publishable.  But they've had no choice, and this
has led to puzzle editors becoming overworked, as well.
     So, I've decided to try to do something about the constructor
shortage.  From now until October 1, I'm offering readers of this column
a free copy of my "Beginner's Guide to Creating Contemporary Crosswords",
which normally costs $29.95.  It includes step-by-step instructions to
create your first publishable puzzle, and my personal assistance in
developing the necessary skills.  There are a few conditions to this
offer.  Please don't respond unless you're willing to invest the 
necessary time to learn how to construct crosswords.  If you do send for a 
copy, you must be diligent in your completion of the homework assignments
included therein.  And finally, please include $1.00 to
cover mailing costs.  Write to: Constructing, CROSS WRD Magazine, PO Box
909, Bellmore, NY  11710.


Newsgroups: rec.puzzles.crosswords