How to Become a TV Sitcom Writer

If you've ever finished watching an episode of "King of Queens" or "Everybody Loves Raymond" and thought, I can write something that funny, perhaps you can become a TV sitcom writer. Though an incredibly difficult and competitive field to break into, with ability and perseverance you can have a legitimate shot at becoming a TV sitcom writer. Follow these steps, and laugh yourself all the way to a new career.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Study sitcom scripts. You can find these online. Note how sitcom scripts are structured and how many scenes, acts and plot lines are present. To become a TV sitcom writer, you need to know what a TV sitcom script looks like.

2. Take TV-scriptwriting classes such as those offered at Gotham Writers Workshop, or find out if your local college or university offers such courses. In most cases, professional scriptwriters teach and can guide you in your development.

3. Write a sample or spec script. This is a script based on an existing sitcom. Watch the show you base your script on. Get to know the characters and situations. Repeat this step over and over until you attract interest from someone.

4. Get in on the ground floor. Apply for jobs as a writer or producer assistant on a TV sitcom. You can meet and establish relationships with people in the business.

5. Find an agent who specializes in TV scriptwriting. In most cases, an agent is the only way to get your script into the right hands.

6. Continue writing spec scripts. Try writing original scripts as well as those based on existing sitcoms. If a producer is interested in your work, he may ask to see another spec. Prepare to deliver. The more spec scripts you have, the better your chances of becoming a TV sitcom writer.

Tips & Warnings

• Write your spec script for a sitcom that has been on the air for 3 to 5 years. If the show is newer, producers might not be familiar with it; the same may hold true for older shows as well.

• Copyright your work. Register your scripts with the Writers Guild for America. It costs $20, and you can do this online.

Resources

• Register for Gotham Writers Workshop TV scriptwriting classes here.
• Register your script with the Writers Guild for America here.