A method of forming an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) writer is disclosed. A structure comprising a bottom cladding layer and a near field transducer (NFT) is provided. A patterned sacrificial layer is formed over the structure. A top cladding layer is deposited over the patterned sacrificial layer and a remaining region of the structure not covered by the patterned sacrificial layer. A patterned resist is formed over the top cladding layer. A first etching operation is performed on the top cladding layer via the patterned resist, whereby a top cladding having a sloped region is formed. The patterned sacrificial layer provides an etch stop for the first etching operation.