A vertically-oriented servo track writer assembly and method for recording servo pattern on a disc surface includes a spindle hub assembly that rotates one or more discs in a substantially vertical plane and an actuator assembly that pivots an E-block about a substantially horizontal axis. The E-block includes one or more actuator arms and associated flexures, with each flexure including a servo recording head. Pivoting motion of the E-block moves each servo recording head in a substantially vertical plane adjacent a surface of an associated disc to record servo pattern information on the disc surface. The method further includes laterally moving the actuator assembly into and out of engagement with the spindle hub assembly to simplify loading and unloading discs from the spindle hub assembly.