Themes should be fresh, interesting, narrowly defined and consistently applied throughout the puzzle. If the theme includes a particular kind of pun, for example, then all the puns should be of that kind. Themes and theme entries should be accessible to everyone. Themeless daily puzzles using wide-open patterns are also welcome, provided the word count is below 72.
Constructors should emphasize lively words, names and fresh phrases. We especially encourage the use of phrases from everyday writing and speech, whether or not they are in the dictionary. For variety, try some of the lesser-used letters of the alphabet — J, Q, X, Z, K, W, etc. Brand names are acceptable if they’re well known nationally and you use them in moderation.
Do not use partial phrases longer than five letters (ONE TO A, A STITCH IN, etc.), uninteresting obscurity (a Bulgarian village, a water bug genus, etc.) or uncommon abbreviations. Foreign words are allowed provided most Americans would be familiar with them (LAIT, OJO, NEIN). Keep crosswordese to a minimum — that is, answers that appear far more in crosswords than in real life (ERNE, ASTA, ARETE, YSER, etc.) Difficult words are fine — especially for the harder daily puzzles that run late in the week — if the words are interesting bits of knowledge or useful additions to the vocabulary. However, never let two obscure words or names cross.
78 words for a 15×15 (72 for a themeless); 140 for a 21×21. Maximums may be exceeded slightly at the editor’s discretion, if the theme warrants.
Times puzzles must never have been published anywhere before, either in print or electronically. The Times buys all rights, including first rights.
Use regular typing paper (8 1/2" x 11"). Type the clues double-spaced on the left (no periods after the numbers), answer words in a corresponding column on the far right. Down clues need not begin on a new page. Include a filled-in answer grid with numbers and a blank grid with numbers (for the editor’s use). Put your name, address and email address on the two grid pages.
An example is shown below, which you can download as a pdf.
Will Shortz, Crossword Editor
The New York Times
620 8th Ave.
New York, NY 10018
| Previously Published Puzzles | 10 or Fewer | 11+ |
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Saturday (15×15) | $300 | $450 |
| Sunday (21×21) | $1,000 | $1,200 |