Reusing theme???

[Raymond Hansen]

Hello all,

I've seen themes reused if the new version has a twist. I was making a puzzle "Play it Straight" wherein each theme entry begins or starts with TEN, JACK, QUEEN, KING, ACE. Then I found out that this theme was used by the WSJ in Jan. 2017; but in that version, the theme entries were not in the "correct" order in the puzzle, and in my puzzle, they are. That puzzle also had the revealer ROYAL FLUSH (which seems off since it implies each entry is the same suit). Anyway, do you think my version is enough of a variation to be considered by the WSJ or elsewhere? The WSJ has accepted another one of my puzzles.

Thanks!

[mmcbs]

Editor's often cite prior use of a similar theme as reason for rejection, so I'd try it elsewhere and especially recommend venues that allow theme queries.