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Crossword Puzzle Writer

Crossword Puzzle Writer

Career Advice on How to Become A Crossword Puzzle Writer

Crossword puzzle writers are essentially freelance writers.  Many may find it difficult to earn a living writing crossword puzzles exclusively, but the job does have some unexpected side benefits.  Science is increasingly learning that the brain, just like the body, can be developed through use and work.  Crossword puzzles, and other puzzles, are very good in this regard.  Thus, working on creating crossword puzzles is likely quite good for the brain.

Career Facts:


The job of crossword puzzle writer definitely falls into the “somebody has to do this” category.  After all, someone has to sit down and build all those crossword puzzles that we see in newspapers and magazines on a daily and weekly basis.  Most crossword puzzle writers work as freelancers and are usually paid a small amount for the puzzles. However, they are usually not paid more than a couple of hundred dollars at most.

The first known example of what we today think of as being the modern crossword puzzle was in an Italian magazine in 1890.  By 1917, the Boston Globe was publishing crossword puzzles in the United States.  By the 1920s, the crossword puzzle had become fairly popular in across the nation.  Crossword puzzles became increasing popular over the years, and by 1930 were even added to the dictionary.

Career Opportunities and Job Outlook-Unknown:

The first known example of what we today think of as being the modern crossword puzzle was in an Italian magazine in 1890.  By 1917, the Boston Globe was publishing crossword puzzles in the United States.  By the 1920s, the crossword puzzle had become fairly popular in across the nation.  Crossword puzzles became increasing popular over the years, and by 1930 were even added to the dictionary.

A Day in The Life:

Most crossword puzzle writers likely have other writing jobs.  When a crossword puzzle writer is developing a crossword puzzle, he or she spends time constructing the puzzle and the answers.  It’s truly a good exercise in creativity.

Average Salary:

Salary for the crossword puzzle writer depends largely upon the publication to which the crossword puzzle is sold.  Some extremely prolific crossword puzzle writers have made up to $70,000 per year.

Career Training and Qualifications:

There are no specific training requirements.  The ability to create an interesting puzzle in a timely fashion is a must.  Also, if you are career planning for this job, make sure you enhance and expand your vocabulary as much as possible.

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