Rosenberg Interview continued
TKTV: Do you still work on episodes in which you don't have an actual writing credit?
MR: There is no script that does not have everybody's hand in it. Writing television is an intensely collaborative process. Screen credit goes to the writer(s) who did the first draft. Often, very little of the first draft will get to the screen, but this way of assigning credit is the most fair to everyone in the room.
TKTV: What advice would you give other aspiring television writers?
MR: Understand that story is more important than jokes. You may be really funny, but if you don't come up with a compelling story your jokes will just sit there, formless and unfunny.
Understand that your first couple of spec scripts, no matter how good they seem to you and your friends, are probably not going to be professional quality enough to get you a job. Don't resist writing your third, fourth, and fifth spec script. It's a craft that takes time and patience.
Understand that you absolutely, positively must move to Los Angeles.
And understand that it's correct that you have to know someone in the industry to get a job, but it's also not difficult to get to know people in the industry once you are in Los Angeles. People here want to meet and help new writers. Everyone is rooting for you to succeed.
Also, one great resource for information is the Writers Guild website, at www.wga.org.