Saturday 26 November 2016

Make Money Writing Crossword Puzzles: Seven Tips For Newbies

You might not realise it, but the crossword is still one of the most popular parts of many newspapers... with lots of people buying a copy for that reason alone. After the front and back page, the sport and the TV sections it's high up on the list of 'most read' pages. So there is a healthy demand for people to write and sell crosswords puzzles.
This could be a great sideline opportunity for you. Especially good if you're a dedicated crossword puzzler. But you can try it even if you're not. You don't need to be especially good at English.
Here are seven tips on how to write crosswords:
1. Start by thinking of a theme for your puzzle. For example something like history, or geography, travel, film and TV or famous people etc. You don't necessarily have to reveal what your theme is to your readers. But it will make it much easier to come up with words and clues.
2. Now write a long list of words which relate to your theme. At least 25 or 30 to start with. Everything you can think of. This will be your 'word bank', to draw words from for your puzzle. (But you don't necessarily need to use them all.)