LA Times Crossword

Patti Varol is the editor of the Los Angeles Times Crossword, having taken over the co-editor role from Rich Norris in 2022 and Joyce Nichols Lewis in 2023. Varol brings over 20 years of experience in editing and creating puzzles to the position. She has been working with the Los Angeles Times Crossword editors, Joyce Nichols Lewis and Rich Norris, since 2010.

Varol’s crosswords have appeared in prestigious publications such as the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Chronicle of Higher Education, as well as the Crosswords L.A., Lollapuzzoola, and Boswords crossword tournaments. In addition to her work with the Los Angeles Times Crossword, Varol serves as the executive editor at PuzzleNation, managing and editing puzzle content for Crosswords Club, Daily POP crosswords, and the PuzzleNation mobile apps.

As a founding editor of Women of Letters, a crossword pack showcasing the work of women constructors, Varol is committed to promoting diversity and supporting charitable causes. The proceeds from Women of Letters benefit women-centric charities.

Varol continues the legacy of the Los Angeles Times Crossword, which has been carefully nurtured by her predecessors. Joyce Nichols Lewis, who received her training from Margaret Farrar, the grande dame of crossword puzzle editing, edited the puzzle from 1978 until passing the baton to Varol in 2023. Farrar, along with Joyce’s father, Maynard Nichols, were renowned figures in the world of crossword puzzle editing.