What writing gigs should I pursue to start generating a decent income?

From my experiences, freelance writing is not a get rich quick by any means.

Well, I suppose you could try content writing that pays horrible, but if you spend a lot of time at it, you might earn enough for some coffee...

You can apply to educational publishers for freelance work and use your picture books as clips, but this won't get you quick cash even if they like your work. Here's a listing of educational presses. http://www.evelynchristensen.com/markets.html

Consider looking for writing gigs on topics related to your past work. Not likely to pay many bills, but something is better than nothing.

Have you considered trying to find two or three part time positions?

Get something part time. Regular income can save your life—and may offer health insurance.

It's way easier to quit a job than find a job, so I always suggest finding something that's predictable while you get your freelance income started.

Debbie V said:

You can apply to educational publishers for freelance work and use your picture books as clips, but this won't get you quick cash even if they like your work. Here's a listing of educational presses. http://www.evelynchristensen.com/markets.html

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Thanks for that link! Very useful if I ever go through with my half-arsed idea of writing some educational children's books on science.

On another note, you might also check out the Paying Markets sub-forum on this site. You might get lucky and realize you have an old story sitting around that never went anywhere and could be repurposed. Or find something else that strikes your fancy.

Most of it isn't regular income AFAIK, but still worth a look.

jasperd said:

What can I start immediately to at least bring in something?

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Sell blood.

Seriously. Writing is not a way to bring in money fast. Or regularly. Or in any decent quantities. Especially, and here's the kicker, since you have been unemployed for a while and did not immediately start writing.

You worked a regular job, 40 hours a week. If you are not writing, researching, looking for a regular job or going to interviews for 40-60 hours a week, you will not be earning an income writing. Writing is a job. Treat it that way.

Jeff

Do you have a community newspaper? Community newspapers may be looking for stringers. They likely won't pay much and terms may be Net 30/60 whatever but anything is anything when you really need money.

If you get desperate, there may be listings on Craigslist, Elance, etc. I'd advise against these "markets" as they usually pay absolute crap (fractions of a cent per word) but I also know what it's like to be desperate for money.

jasperd said:

WeaselFire,

You're right.

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Don't tell my wife, I don't want to spoil her opinion of me.

One that might work is a blog for single mothers, along with links to your Amazon Associates account for people to guy things you reference.

Jeff

I am a freelance writer/copy writer/subber and certainly agree that is isn't a way to make lots of money fast. Sometimes the cupboard is so bare, I consider eating the hinges.

But I echo what another poster said about content writing. It does pay horribly sometimes, but it's a good way to get a portfolio going and it is how I started. I think I would get £5 per 250 words (wince), however, I did it for the experience and to beat on my craft. Once I had done it for a few months, I was able to approach magazines, newspapers, marketing companies, etc, with a few samples under my belt and a few references/recommendations.

A blog is also a fabulous idea. Once you have started a blog, sign up to Bloglovin - it's a community for bloggers. A little like Twitter (you can follow/be followed) but for blogs, and it's a great way to conjure up viewers. Twitter also does have a good blogger community - another way to get your blog link out there and mix with others.

Good luck!

I would definitely recommend freelance, it's very easy and you can find lots of jobs by searching the internet, and it doesn't take up a lot of time, especially if you enjoy it!