Construct and sell crossword puzzles to newspapers
Rank #163 · Tier C · Priority score 47/100 · Category: Content & media
Build original crosswords and submit them to newspaper puzzle editors (The New York Times, Universal, LA Times) who pay a flat fee per published puzzle.
Scores
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Payment probability (6 months) | 2/10 |
| Automation after setup | 5/10 |
| Setup effort (1 = trivial) | 4/10 |
| Ongoing effort (1 = none) | 4/10 |
| Income potential | 3/10 |
| AI leverage | 4/10 |
| Legal in reference countries | 100% |
| Platform pays out in reference countries | 100% |
| Capital required | $0 |
| Time to first dollar | 90–540 d |
| Typical monthly income (low / median / high) | $0 / $0 / $1,500 |
Realistic expectations
Most people who try this earn around $0–$0 per month in the first year; the high figure of $1,500 is a ceiling for a focused solo operator, not a typical outcome. The chance of receiving at least one real payout within six months is rated 2/10. Expect the first payment after 90–540 d.
How it works
You construct themed crosswords with free or paid construction software and word lists, then submit to outlets like The New York Times, Universal and the LA Times that accept freelance puzzles. Editors buy puzzles that meet strict specs. Pay is a flat fee per puzzle. Software automates grid filling; theme ideas and clueing are the human part.
Platforms: The New York Times Crossword, Universal Crossword, LA Times Crossword
Resources & business plan
What you need to start
| Resource | Amount |
|---|---|
| Time to launch | 40 hours |
| One-time cash | $0 |
| Recurring fixed cost | $0 / month |
| Tools | free constructors (Crosshare, Qxw) or paid software; word lists; submission email/portals |
| Skills | crossword construction and theme ideas; clue writing; following editor specs |
| Equipment | laptop |
| Accounts | outlet submission accounts; bank/PayPal or check deposit |
How the money is made (unit economics)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | per accepted puzzle |
| Typical price per unit (low / median / high) | $100 / $500 / $2,250 |
| Direct cost per unit | $0 |
| Platform fee | 0% |
| Gross margin (median case) | 100% |
| Human hours per unit after automation | 15 |
NYT pays $500 for a daily (Mon-Sat) puzzle ($750 after 2 published) and $1,500 for Sunday ($2,250 after 2), per its submission page (Nov 2026); other outlets pay ~$100-$400 (estimates for non-NYT). Hours per unit include rejected attempts.
Break-even
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly fixed cost | $0 |
| Units per month to break even | 0 |
| Typical months to break even | 9 |
| Months to recover startup cash | 0 |
No startup cash or fixed cost, so break-even = first payment received. Editors reply in weeks to months and acceptance rates are low; first sale often 6-18 months after starting.
Market conditions (Nov 2026)
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Demand trend | stable |
| Competition | high |
| Effect of AI | neutral |
| Price pressure | rising |
| Chance of real net profit within 12 months (≥ $100/month where the plan can pay that much) | 3% |
| Typical net profit at month 12 (low / median / high) | $0 / $0 / $1,000 |
Established constructors place puzzles regularly; newcomers face long queues and low acceptance. Software automates grid fill, but editors judge themes and clues, which remain human work. Rates rose at the NYT in 2022, but the number of slots is fixed.
Pricing strategy
Outlet rates are fixed; target outlets with shorter queues first and build to NYT, and consider selling puzzles directly via a Patreon/Substack.
Path to profit
- Month 0: learn construction, solve and study accepted grids (cost $0)
- Month 1-6: build and submit 1-2 puzzles/month, expected $0
- Month 6-12: possible first sale $100-$500
Business-plan sources:
Payout path
- Methods: check, bank transfer
- Minimum payout: per accepted puzzle
- Frequency: per acceptance
- Typical delay: 90 days
- Notes: NYT submission page (Nov 2026) confirms pay: Mon-Sat 15x15 $500 for a constructor's 1st-2nd published puzzle and $750 from the 3rd; Sunday 21x21 $1,500 and $2,250 respectively; submissions go through Submittable. Payment method and timing are not published (check/bank transfer assumed).
Full cycle (setup → earn → bank account)
- Learn construction
- Build puzzle
- Submit
- Revise
- Publish
- Payment
What can be automated
- Autofill grids from word lists
- Database of used clues
Unavoidable manual steps
- Theme ideas
- Clue writing
- Editor revisions
Legality & compliance
Writing and selling original text is legal in all reference countries; royalties are taxable.
- Compliance requirements: tax forms for US payers; original clues only
- Platform availability: Submissions worldwide by email/portal.
Risks
- Long queues
- Low acceptance
- Specs vary by outlet
Evidence that people get paid
Major papers publicly accept freelance puzzles; fee figures unverified here.
Sources
Tags: per-piece, puzzles
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