Puzzle Publishing FAQ

FAQ = “Frequently Asked Questions”

Q. I Want to publish puzzles; what can you suggest?

That depends on if you mean publish commercially, or publish in something free like the Enigma. For most commercial publishing, and many non-paying publishers, you should do a few things first:

• Check their website for “Writers Guidelines” or information on where to get them. Expect some sites to simply say “We don't buy material” or something; reading it on the web saves you time and money.
• Write the Editor for guidelines. Include a 5×9 SASE (Self-Addresses-Stamped-Envelope) with either

• Postage for the country where the publisher is
• An International return post coupon from your post office if you can't buy postage for the country. These are relatively expensive, unfortunately
• Follow the editor's Writer's Guidelines in how and when to submit your puzzles.

There is a book published annually called The Writer's Market that is a good resource for the how-to's of submissions, but they are weak on puzzling publishers. There are two other resources if you are looking for who publishes what: libraries and bookstores.

Q. Will being an NPL Member be an advantage when I publish?

Again, this partly depends on what and where you want to publish. But, in general, hanging out with the kinds of bright minds that make the NPL interesting really should be a positive influence. They can sharpen your wit, sarcasm, clueing, love of fair-play and inspire devilishly tortuous puzzles.

Networking is a byword in many places. Since a number of people in the NPL consider themselves “professional” composers, you would be in good company and have opportunities that, outside of the NPL are hard to come by. Since we're not an organization devoted to American-style crosswords, but many of our members construct crosswords themselves, or compete at the Stamford tournament, being a member isn't guarenteed to help, but it couldn't hurt either.

Q. Do I have to be a member to publish in The Enigma?

Not that anyone knows, no. But then, not many people from outside the NPL would want to or have enough insight into our puzzles to compose publishable puzzles. You can sumbit puzzles to editor@puzzlers.org for consideration.

Q. I used the wordlists from your website to write a new electronic game. How do I get permission to use the files so I can publish them?

A. You should see Copyright.

Q. What is with the 'Kudos' thing? What are 'Bangs'?

A. See Giving Thanks.

Q. In all my years with NPL, I've always somehow only composed Ralfs once or twice, and I don't remember exactly how they work. Could someone send me a crash course?

A. See Ralf P. Olio writes ...