From: drovig@aol.com (DROVIG)
Newsgroups: rec.puzzles.crosswords
Subject: Shortz philosophy
Date: 10 Jun 1995 12:52:04 -0400
Organization: America Online, Inc. (1-800-827-6364)
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To all those who EMailed me re: this, I figured out how do it here. Here
it is.

        Crossword Specifications - The New York Times

        The New York Times looks for intelligent, literate, entertaining
and well-crafted crosswords that appeal to the broad range of Times
solvers.
        Themes should be fresh, interesting, narrowly defined and
consistently applied throughout the puzzle. If the theme includes a
particular kind of pun, for example, than all the puns should be of that
kind. Themes and theme entries should be accessible to every one.
Themeless daily puzzles using wide-
open patterns are also welcome.)
        Constructions should emphasize lively words and names and fresh
phrases. We especially encourage the use of phrases from everyday writing
and speech, whether or not they are in the dictionary. For variety, try
some of the lesser-used letters of the alphabet--J, Q, X, Z, K, W, etc.
Brand-names are acceptable if theyre well-known nationally and you use
them in moderation.
        The clues in an ideal puzzle provide a well-balanced test of
vocabulary and knowledge, ranging from classical subjects like literature,
art, classical music, mythology, history, geography, etc., to modern
subjects like movies, TV, popular music, sports and names in the news.
Clues should be accurate, colorful and imaginative. Puns and humor are
welcome.
        Do not use partial phrases longer than five letters (ONE TO A, A
STITCH IN, etc.), uninteresting obscurity, (a Bulgarian village, a water
bug genus, etc.) or uncommon abbreviations or foreign words. Keep
crosswordese to a minimum. Difficult words are fine--especially for the
harder daily puzzles that get printed late in the week--if the words are
interesting bits of knowledge or useful additions to the vocabulary.
However, never let two obscure words cross
        Maximum word counts: 78 words for a 15x15 (72 for an unthemed);
140  for a 21x21; 170 for a 23x23. Maximums may be exceeded slightly, at
the editors discretion, if the theme warrants.
DIAGRAMLESS CROSSWORDS
        Diagramless specifications are: 19x19 grid with twists and turns;
a theme; about 80-86 words over all; and a fairly wide-open construction.
Shaping the grid to relate to the them is welcome.
FORMAT
        Use regular typing paper (8 1/2" x 11"). Type the clues
double-spaced on the left (no periods after the numbers), answer words in
a corresponding column on the far right. Give a source for any hard to
verify word or information. Down clues need not begin on a new page.
Include a filled-in answer grid with numbers and a bland grid with numbers
(for the editors use). Put your name address and social security number
on the two grid pages, and just your name on all other pages.
Send to:
  Will Shortz, Crossword Editor
  The New York Times
  229 West 43rd St.
  New York, NY 10036
Please include a stamped return envelope for reply.
PAYMENT
$75 for a daily 15x15; $300 for a Sunday 21x21; $350 for a Sunday 23x23;
$100 for a diagramless.

GOOD LUCK!