This may sound like a really silly question, but I just made my first crossword template, but now that I've come away from it, I can't find it again! Could someone possibly point me in the right direction? Thanks a lot!

Richard

It's o.k. I've found it thanks to a helpful team mate!

I don't want to come across as a grumbling person, and I am not usually this impatient, but is there a cap on waiting times for submitted crosswords?

I submitted a crossword about twelve days ago, just as soon as I got the nod for creating crosswords (I had already prepared a few crosswords), but my crossword is still in the queue.

I am really sorry if I have managed to irritate some of the editors, who I am sure do their best, and yet still probably get such mails regularly. Sorry guys!

Whoops.

Is there a limit on the number of clues you can have in a crossword?
I know the crossword title page says "Suggested number of clues- 20 to 50", but I have made a 15 by 15 crossword that has about 60 clues.
Would that be a problem?

Because of so many clues, I have exceeded the 60 percent mark by a long margin. So should I delete a few clues, or let the crosssword be the way it is?

I am waiting for an answer, and hence I have not submitted this crossword at the moment, but another one in its place.

Please tell me what should I do.

No, there is not a limit to the number of crossed letters and please don't delete any clues for that reason. The percentage quoted is a minimum number. We have a few talented crossword creators who are able to achieve 100% crossed letter, and my hat goes off to them.

Secondly, crosswords are like quizzes and we prefer that you work on one all the way through to completion, and not jump back and forth between puzzles. This way, things learned form getting one puzzle online can be applied to subsequent puzzles.

Edited to add, I re-read your posts and saw that your question had nothing to do with % of crossed letters but was strictly about number of clues. The same answer applies!

Thanks very much.

As regards working on two crosswords simultaneously, I had already completed the other crossword, but was intending to submit this one first, so there is no question of jumping between puzzles.

I see a cake...happy birthday, skunkee!

Puit> I've taken a quick look at your submitted puzzle. You might want to wait to get feedback after I've edited your first puzzle. There are some changes you'll need to make that will most likely apply to your second puzzle as well.

SilverMoonsong, Thanks for having a look at my puzzle.
I am waiting for the feedback. I will immediately make the necessary changes in both the crosswords.

Along with some of the upgrades Terry has implemented, we can now accept numeric or alpha-numeric puzzles.

There will be some very strict rules along with this:

Only our most experienced authors will be allowed to submit a crossword puzzle with numbers, since they will be more difficult than a regular puzzle. If you are unsure whether or not you will be allowed to submit a numeric puzzle, please send me a PM and I'll be happy to discuss it with you.

They must be unique and interesting - in other words, a simple addition or subtraction puzzle will not be accepted.

I'll update and clarify this as we work out the details and rules. In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to ask.

How do I know my crossword has been submitted? There isn't a message showing up for me like when I submit a quiz.

Under the "My Crosswords: Edit" screen, it should show you which puzzles are online, offline, and which have been submitted.

Thanks. It says it's been submitted.

Is the crossword queue on a first come first serve basis?

First come, first serve - you mean those who submit their puzzles first are taken care of first? Pretty much, yes.

That is what I meant. Also, do the crossword editors have specific categories they edit? I'm just curious.

Yes, each editor has specific categories, although I'm a Universal Editor. There are a few categories that are mine to edit, but I can take care of puzzles in any category if necessary.

Thanks. Much appreciated.

What is the best way to write clues for abbreviations and symbols?

When using abbreviations, please don't give-away the answer in the clue.

For example, when using a state abbreviation, rather than stating it this way:

California (abbr) - you could instead say "The Golden state (abbr)"

Using state nicknames and other unique landmarks makes the clue more interesting (and you might actually learn something!).

When using chemical symbols, keep the same thing in mind. Rather than state the name of the chemical and ask for the symbol, find something unique and interesting to use for the clue. For example:

"Element named after the Greek goddess of the moon (abbr)" [SE]

You can find ways to write almost any clue without giving away the answer. If you aren't sure, you can always ask one of the editors.