It's Your Chance to Write a Slate Crossword

"From now to Jan. 31, 2026, we'll be opening submissions for our Sunday puzzle. Our weekly Sunday crossword is a 15x15 themeless, or "freestyle," grid. What are we looking for? First and foremost, Slate's grids are voicey. We appreciate clever wordplay and entries that are relevant to our current moment. As a general interest magazine, Slate publishes articles that run the gamut from Supreme Court coverage to sex advice, and our puzzles reflect this eclectic mix."

"Send your one (1) submission as a clearly labeled .puz file and a PDF with your full name (e.g., AlanSmitheeSlateSubmission.puz) in an email to [e-mail]. In the body of the email, please include a brief introduction of who you are and any details we should know about your puzzle. We are open to puzzles from beginners and experienced constructors alike. If we are interested in your grid, we will work with you on edits to make your puzzle the best it can be."

"Please only send us original puzzles, as we cannot publish grids that have run elsewhere. Apologies if you'd like to write one of our weekday 11x11 midi puzzles; we don't have the time or resources to take those on spec at the moment. We will let you know as soon as possible if your puzzle submission is accepted, so the earlier you send us your grid, the better! Accepted puzzles will run on Sundays throughout the year. We pay $300 for 15x15 grids."

Submissions for a weekly Sunday 15x15 themeless "freestyle" crossword are open through Jan. 31, 2026. Each constructor may send one submission as a clearly labeled .puz file and a PDF including the submitter's full name to [e-mail]. The email body should include a brief introduction and any relevant puzzle details. Grids should be voicey, with clever wordplay and entries relevant to the current moment, reflecting a general-interest mix. Only original puzzles are accepted; weekday 11x11 midi puzzles are not being accepted on spec. Accepted puzzles will run on Sundays and pay $300.

Read at Slate Magazine