Random House Puzzlemaker's Handbook

by Mel Rosen

From college grads to retirees, would-be puzzle creators have searched in vain for a guide on creating and selling crosswords and other word puzzles--until now. This clever handbook provides step-by-step explanations on the art and science of puzzle-making, the mechanics of submitting puzzles to editors, the history of word puzzles, and solving tips.

230 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 1995

Reviews

[Dana]

In the 90s I would have rated this book more highly, but in 2022 much here is woefully out of date. For those of us who lived through the technological advances that have passed in the intervening years since first (1981), 2nd (1995) editions and the present day, it is a quaint walk down memory lane. However, while it reads much like a textbook (it kind of is one), the chapters on the crux of solving and creating word puzzles are foundational. While software and electronic submissions have eclipsed the graph paper and pencil era of constructing and selling, much analytical advice here will hold a novice constructor in good stead.

[Gloria]

OMG I want a copy of this book. Love it.

In reality probably will never be done with it, as I have finally learned about solving acrostics—something that has bugged me since I first subscribed to the Atlantic as a teenager (yes I was a weird kid).

Currently making do with eternal check-out from public library.