What does a staff writer do?

What is a Staff Writer?

A staff writer is an entry-level position in a television show’s writing team. Staff writers work in the writers’ room and contribute to the development of episodes by brainstorming ideas, helping break stories, writing outlines or scenes, and sometimes drafting full scripts. While they may not always receive on-screen credit for every episode, their work is essential to the collaborative writing process. This role is often the first step for writers aiming to build a long-term career in television.

Staff writers are expected to absorb the tone, structure, and voice of the show while learning from more experienced writers. They usually don’t have producing responsibilities yet but are gaining valuable experience in how a TV show is made. With time, a staff writer can be promoted to positions like story editor, executive story editor, or eventually producer-level roles, depending on their contributions and growth.

What does a Staff Writer do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The role of a staff writer involves contributing creatively to a television series while supporting the writing team in multiple ways. Common duties and responsibilities include:

• Participating in the Writers’ Room: Staff writers are expected to contribute ideas during brainstorming sessions, help develop storylines, and assist in breaking down episodes into scenes and acts. While they may not always lead story development, their input is essential to the collaborative process.
• Writing and Revising Scripts: Staff writers may be assigned full scripts or individual scenes to write. They are also often asked to revise scripts based on feedback from the showrunner or senior writers, helping maintain consistency in tone and character across episodes.
• Supporting Senior Writers and Producers: They assist with research, draft outlines, compile notes, and help organize story materials. They often take notes during writers’ room meetings and revise documents accordingly.
• Learning the Show’s Voice and Format: A major part of the role is adapting to the show's unique style. Staff writers are expected to closely study previous episodes to align their writing with the tone, pacing, and structure of the series.
• Contributing to Team Collaboration: Staff writers must be receptive to feedback, communicate clearly, and work well in a team environment. Their role involves listening as much as it does contributing, especially in a room led by experienced writers.

Types of Staff Writers
In television writing, "staff writer" is typically the entry-level position in the writers' room. However, within or around this role, there are variations and adjacent positions that reflect slightly different responsibilities or career steps. Here are some types or related roles often associated with staff writers:

• Writer's Assistant: Not a staff writer per se, but often a stepping stone to becoming one. They take detailed notes during writers’ room sessions, organize story outlines, and sometimes contribute creatively. Writer's assistants are often promoted to staff writers.
• Script Coordinator: Another adjacent role. They manage script formatting, revisions, continuity, and delivery across departments. While primarily administrative, they often interact closely with writers and may move into staff writer roles.
• Diversity Staff Writer (Fellowship-Based): Some networks and studios offer diversity programs (e.g., NBC Writers on the Verge, ABC Disney Writing Program) where selected writers are placed in staff roles on shows. These writers are often referred to as "diversity hires," though they fulfill the same creative duties.
• Contracted Staff Writer: In some cases, especially on shows with shorter seasons or limited budgets, staff writers are hired on short-term contracts or per-project bases. Their responsibilities remain the same, but their job security is more limited.

What is the workplace of a Staff Writer like?

The workplace of a staff writer is usually centered around the writers’ room—a collaborative, often fast-paced environment where writers gather to brainstorm, outline, and develop episodes for a television show. Staff writers spend much of their time in this setting, contributing ideas, discussing character arcs, and helping shape the season’s storylines. The atmosphere can be both demanding and energizing, with long hours of discussion and frequent revisions.

Outside of the writers’ room, staff writers may also work independently on assigned scripts or scenes. This part of the job typically involves quiet, focused time spent writing or revising material based on feedback from showrunners or senior writers. Although junior in rank, staff writers are expected to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines, while also adapting to the show’s tone and creative direction.

Staff writers may also visit the set during production, especially if they’ve written the episode being filmed. This allows them to see how their writing is translated to screen and to work directly with directors, actors, and producers. While they don’t usually have much authority in these settings, observing the production process is an important learning experience that prepares them for more senior writing and producing roles in the future.