How to become a staff writer

Is becoming a staff writer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do staff writers do?

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How to become a Staff Writer

Becoming a staff writer involves a combination of writing skill, industry knowledge, and persistence. Here’s a general roadmap to help you pursue this career path:

  • Develop Your Writing Skills: Start by strengthening your writing through consistent practice. Take screenwriting courses, read professional TV scripts, and study the structure and pacing of your favorite shows. Learn how to write compelling characters, dialogue, and scenes that fit within episodic formats.
  • Pursue Formal Education: While not mandatory, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Creative Writing, Film Production, or Screenwriting can provide a strong foundation. These programs teach storytelling, script formatting, and narrative structure. Some universities offer screenwriting-specific tracks, and graduate programs like an MFA in Screenwriting or Dramatic Writing can offer additional support, mentorship, and industry exposure.
  • Build a Strong Portfolio: Create a collection of writing samples that demonstrate your voice and range. Include original pilot scripts and spec scripts for existing shows. This portfolio is essential when applying for fellowships, agents, or staff writing positions.
  • Gain Industry Experience: Entry-level jobs in TV production—such as writer’s assistant, script coordinator, or production assistant—can give you valuable on-set experience and help you build relationships with working writers and producers.
  • Participate in Fellowships and Workshops: Apply to competitive writing programs such as the Warner Bros. Writers’ Workshop, NBCUniversal Writers on the Verge, and the Disney Writing Program. These programs help emerging writers get staffed and often lead to first jobs in writers’ rooms.
  • Network Strategically: Attend industry events, screenwriting conferences, and writing groups. Make connections with people in the business, including agents, managers, and fellow writers. Relationships play a critical role in opening doors in the entertainment industry.
  • Keep Writing and Submitting: Persistence is key. Continue writing new material, submitting to competitions, and seeking feedback. Stay open to rewriting and improving based on notes from industry professionals or peers.