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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Journalism and Broadcasting pathway.

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Crossword puzzle constructor Kathleen Hamilton recommends that beginners complete a number of different puzzles to get a feel for constructing before they approach publishers.

"Go to the library, to the reference section, and see which book publishers would likely be interested in crossword puzzles. Put together a collection of 50 crosswords that have been looked at and tried by people and then submit them to those publishers."

Constructor Coral Amende suggests submitting "your first few puzzles to editors with reputations for being willing to take new constructors under their wings.

"If you do receive a rejection notice, don't be discouraged -- if the puzzle is at all salvageable, these editors will usually include suggestions for improvement. Fix the puzzle and submit it again."

And, she adds, "Don't be afraid to ask for help."

There's no course that can give you the passion and drive you need to become a successful crossword puzzle constructor. "It's really an obsession that starts prior to entering the constructing world," Amende remarks, "and if you don't have it, you won't have the persistence to make your career choice pay off."

That said, top constructors share many skills that only a good education can provide. Amende says the lessons learned in English class -- "a facility with words and grammar" -- are essential.

"Those who are not good spellers or who are careless with the language don't make it far."

Basic math skills also come in handy, Amende notes, though "the plethora of software takes away much of the burden of grid layout and construction that we used to slave over for hours."

To find the material needed to build a superior puzzle, Amende recommends "reading books, newspapers and publications such as People Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Newsweek and the like.

"You'll also familiarize yourself with current goings-on in music, film and television -- subjects that appeal to a broad audience and subjects with which that audience is familiar."

Above all, she emphasizes, study and solve the puzzles of other constructors before trying to create your own. "You won't know what's been done or what contemporary styles are unless you do some research into the crossword puzzle market," she points out.

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