What does a story editor do?

What is a Story Editor?

A story editor is a mid-level writer on a television show who helps shape scripts and keep the story consistent from episode to episode. They work closely with the rest of the writing team, offering feedback, helping plan storylines, and making sure the tone and pacing of each episode fits the show. While they still write their own scripts, they also help improve scripts written by others.

Story editors usually have some experience, often starting out as staff writers. Their title shows they’ve earned more responsibility and trust on the team. They’re often seen as a link between newer writers and more senior producers or the showrunner. With time and strong work, a story editor can move up to higher roles like executive story editor or producer.

What does a Story Editor do?

Duties and Responsibilities
A story editor helps shape the overall story of a television series by reviewing, improving, and sometimes writing scripts. Here are some of their key responsibilities:

• Script Review and Editing: Story editors review scripts from other writers to ensure consistency in tone, character development, and plot. They may suggest changes or help rewrite scenes to improve clarity and flow.
• Story Development: They assist in developing story arcs for episodes or an entire season, working collaboratively in the writers' room to brainstorm ideas and refine plot points.
• Continuity Oversight: Story editors help maintain continuity across episodes, making sure characters behave consistently and storylines stay aligned with the show’s overall direction.
• Mentoring Junior Writers: They often support less experienced writers by giving feedback, answering questions, and helping them understand the show's voice and structure.
• Script Writing: In addition to editing, story editors usually write their own episodes and may be responsible for implementing notes from producers, the network, or the showrunner.

Types of Story Editors
There are three types of story editors in television writing, each with slightly different responsibilities based on their experience and the structure of the writers' room:

• Junior Story Editor: An entry-level position, often filled by a newer writer who assists with script revisions and contributes to story discussions under the guidance of senior staff.
• Story Editor: A mid-level writer who works closely with the writing team to shape episode structure, refine dialogue, and ensure consistency in characters and plotlines.
• Executive Story Editor: A more senior position, typically involving greater creative input and leadership in the writers’ room. They may lead script rewrites and guide less experienced writers.

What is the workplace of a Story Editor like?

The workplace of a story editor is typically centered around a television production environment, most often within a writers' room. This is where a team of writers collaborates to develop the episodes of a TV show. Story editors spend a lot of time in meetings with other writers, brainstorming ideas, discussing character arcs, and planning the overall structure of the season. The environment is creative but also fast-paced, with deadlines and network expectations playing a significant role.

Outside of the writers' room, story editors also work independently on script revisions, episode outlines, and notes from producers or showrunners. They may be responsible for editing other writers’ drafts to ensure consistency in tone, pacing, and character development. This part of the job is often done at a desk, whether in an office or remotely, using screenwriting software to make changes and prepare scripts for production.

Story editors sometimes interact with directors, producers, or even actors, depending on the stage of production and the size of the show. On larger productions, they may also visit sets to observe how scripts translate during filming and provide last-minute edits or dialogue tweaks. The role requires strong communication and organization skills, as well as flexibility to respond to creative changes quickly.