Nyt crossword editor before shortz how to#
Nyt crossword editor before shortz software#

We count collaborations as half for each byline. Please limit yourself to no more than three puzzles in the queue at once. The Times buys all rights, including first rights. Times puzzles must never have been published anywhere before, either in print or electronically. Maximums may be exceeded slightly at the editor’s discretion, if the theme warrants. These include:Ĭrosswords must have black square symmetry, which typically comes in the form of 180-degree rotational symmetry Ĭrosswords must not have unchecked squares (i.e., all letters must be found in both Across and Down answers) Īll answers must be at least 3 letters long īlack squares should be used in moderation.ħ8 words for a 15×15 (72 for a themeless) 140 for a 21×21. While we encourage new and creative crossword themes, there are a few hard rules (broken with extreme rarity) when it comes to constructing New York Times crosswords.

Nyt crossword editor before shortz how to#

For a full list of these programs, as well as tips from New York Times constructors and editors on the puzzle making process, see our series on How to Make a Crossword Puzzle.

Nyt crossword editor before shortz software#

There are many options for making a crossword puzzle, including the good, old-fashioned graph-paper-and-pencil method, though several software programs exist as well.

Common words that lend themselves to interesting and imaginative cluing angles are encouraged. FillĬonstructors should emphasize lively words, well-known names and fresh phrases. We generally prefer puzzles with playful themes rather than straightforward subjects. Themes and theme entries should be accessible to everyone. For example, if the theme includes a particular kind of pun, then all the puns should be of that kind. Themes should be fresh, interesting, narrowly defined and consistently applied throughout the puzzle.

What we could use more of: Thursday and Sunday puzzles that don’t involve a rebus. No more than three puzzles pending at a time.

Original, on-target clues, pitched at the puzzle’s intended difficulty level, including a variety of cultural reference points. Lively fill, with words, phrases and names that solvers know or can infer from the crossings. This page of guidelines is a living document and reflects our current best practices on crossword construction. A New York Times crossword will be a collaboration between you and our staff of editors, who will seek to preserve your voice while making the puzzle as enjoyable as possible for solvers.