A method, according to one embodiment, includes writing a plurality of shingled tracks using an array of writers, determining first and second positions of an array of readers relative to the shingled tracks, the first and second positions being above and/or beyond track edges of the shingled tracks, repositioning the array of readers to various locations between the first and second positions and reading data from the shingled tracks, determining a read offset point where read performance is about the highest during the reading performed when repositioning the array of readers between the first and second positions, and computing, using the read offset point, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled tracks are written in a location specified by a format. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.