Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_27155243_4 (written_by VARCHAR, episode__number VARCHAR)

### Question ###
How many items appear in the written by column in episode 3?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(written_by) FROM table_27155243_4 WHERE episode__number = 3