HC HOW TO COMPILE THEMED CROSSWORDS FOR PUBLICATION

A FREE SAMPLE of the first few pages, which includes the contents, is available to download, see bottom of this page for link.

Have you ever thought "I could do a themed crossword puzzle like that . . . or better"? well now, you are only a click away from learning how.

The buzz of seeing your themed crosswords 'in print' is quite something, and it could be YOU!

Dear Puzzler

We've all seen themed crossword puzzles which promote thoughts such as "I wonder how they do that?" or "I could do one of those" or "I could do one better than that" - well now you can.

It's not as difficult as you may think, it just needs the right approach - and the right tools.

This ebook, written by a regularly published themed crossword compiler shows you the steps to take.

Subjects covered

How To Compile Themed Crosswords For Publication.

• I like solving crosswords, but I've never compiled one before.
• Can anyone do this?
• Do I need to be a computer expert?
• What exactly is a theme or themed Crossword?

The definition of a themed crossword

• My definition of a theme crossword
• Can you be a bit more specific about how a themed crossword should look and feel?
• Designing and filling grids is hard work, how can I relieve myself of the burden of grid design and grid filling so I can concentrate on the creative process?
• Which Software Should I use?
• Is this software expensive?
• Should I prepare a bank of theme words for my grid?
• How do I prepare my theme word list?
• How do I build a big word list?
• Give me some ideas about where and how to trawl for theme words.

Creating your first magazine quality themed crossword.

• Know your readership.
• Fire up your authoring software.
• Let's choose and fill a grid.
• Choose a file name for your puzzle NOW and SAVE it.
• From the words menu select Fill Grid.
• Check your filled grid for suitability and spelling errors.
• Now it's time To Start Writing The Clues.
• Regional and national considerations when clueing.
• A computer themed crossword presented as an example.
• Commercial Considerations.

Puzzle Variations.

• "Find The Keyword."
• Online Publishing:
• Packaging For the Printers
• Preparing Your Sales Pitch
• Market Research
• Pricing Your Work
• Preparation
• The Package (includes template letter to send to publishers)
• Marketing Your Services Including The Internet
• Working Practices.

Appendix: Useful Links & Resources

• Here you will find a list of the software (and links) the author uses and some Business Network Links

As you can see this a very comprehensive guide which should get you on the road to getting your themed crosswords published.

Written in a friendly style from a regularly published themed crossword compiler, I am sure you will find this ebook invaluable.

Ron Wood