Did you know that you can get paid to read books? Well, it’s true, and the strategy is 100% legit. So, as you plan to diversify sources of revenue, consider exploring opportunities in the world of bibliophiles.
If you have a passion for literature, why don’t you turn your love for reading books into a profitable venture?
Wondering where to get started? Please don’t worry, because this article has got you covered. Continue scrolling below to learn about the 17 best ways and websites to get paid reading books.
1. Online Book Club Opportunity: Book Review
Check out OnlineBookClub.org, where you can pick books you’re excited about from a list. The platform will then send you the books for free, and then you write reviews.
Knowing that your first review won’t earn cash could be heartbreaking. Fortunately, you can make anywhere from $5 to $60 for each review.
2. Audiobook Narration Potential: Audiobook Narration
Do you love audiobooks and have a great voice? Consider reading your favorite book and providing the audiobook narration and production.
This way of getting paid to read books is a growing field with opportunities for voice actors, editors, and producers. Remember, you have to blend your love for reading with performance.
3. Launch a Book-Centric Blog or Podcast: Talk About Books
It’s also possible to get paid to read books if you can create a platform to talk about them afterwards. So, start your blog or podcast dedicated to talking about books.
Once you get a loyal audience, you can make money through ads and sponsored content. Other alternatives include affiliate marketing and Patreon subscriptions.
Admittedly, it might take time to see significant earnings, but it could pay off big time once you have a solid audience.
4. BookBrowse: Becoming a Book Reviewer
Getting started with BookBrowse is straightforward. You’ll need to offer sample reviews, each at least 300 words long, to show off your writing skills.Â
They also want a “Beyond the Book” article for each review.
BookBrowse covers a wide range of genres, so whatever floats your boat, there’s likely something for you to review. And don’t sweat the workload – most reviewers only have to do one review a month.
To apply, just list your favorite genres and briefly introduce yourself. If you’ve got any other reviews you’ve done in the past, definitely share those, too.
Once you hit submit, you could be on your way to getting paid to dive into some fabulous reads.
5. Upwork: Becoming a Book Reviewer
Another great option for book reviewers is Upwork. It’s a massive online marketplace where freelancers can find all sorts of gigs, including book review opportunities.Â
To get started here you’ll need to create a profile on Upwork. You must highlight your skills and experience as a book reviewer.
Remember to upload previous reviews or writing samples because it allows you to show potential clients why you’re the perfect person for the job.
Once your profile is all set up, it’s time to start looking for gigs. Upwork makes searching for jobs that match your interests and skills easy. When you find a promising one, write a compelling proposal.
If a client likes what they see in your proposal, they’ll reach out to discuss the project further. Fortunately, if everything goes well, they’ll offer you a contract.
For ultimate client satisfaction, you must take the time to review the terms carefully and ensure you’re happy with your work before submitting it.
6. Explore Freelance Writing Opportunities
There are plenty of freelance writing gigs related to books and literature.
You can pitch ideas like book reviews, listicles, essays, and more to online publications, magazines, and blogs that pay for quality book-related content.
It’s a great way to get paid for your writing skills in the book world.
7. Kirkus Review: Book Reviewing
Kirkus Review is a trusted destination when evaluating books from various genres and formats.
Specifically, they’re on the lookout for seasoned reviewers to assess both English and Spanish titles penned by self-published authors within the Kirkus Indie platform.
If you’re just a beginner in book reviewing, this opportunity might not be the best fit. Kirkus Review requires applicants to submit a resume, samples, and a list of their review specialties.
As with many freelance gigs, your chances of being chosen are often higher if your writing samples are impressive and you’ve been published in prestigious places.
8. Booklist: Library Book Recommendations
If you’re ready to assist library workers in selecting books, you’ll appreciate what Booklist offers. It’s part of the American Library Association, and they pride themselves on providing succinct reviews.
They typically provide 150 to 175-word reviews, including a plot summary, identification of the ideal audience, and suggestions for similar reads.
9. ACX: Audiobook Narration
If you’re a professional narrator or an audiobook producer looking to earn extra cash, ACX might be your platform.
Here, you can collaborate with published authors seeking narrators for their books. Moreover, ACX offers a referral program that allows you to earn money by directing Audible users to your recorded books.
Another perk of ACX is collaborating with other studio professionals to perfect your audio recordings. Payment is typically made upon the publication of the audiobook or through ongoing royalties.
It can amount to 50% of sales. Once you’ve completed at least 25 audiobooks, you can apply as an Audible Approved Producer.
10. Findaway Voices: Narration Platform
Transitioning to Findaway Voices, you’ll discover a similar platform to ACX. Authors here also have the freedom to choose narrators for their audiobooks.
One notable feature is their comprehensive guide, which equips you with all the necessary tools for success.
To get started on Findaway Voices, you must create a narrator profile and receive a customized URL to help authors find you effortlessly.
Then, showcase your skills by uploading your work samples, an engaging audio introduction, a brief bio, a cover image, and an avatar.
11. Voices: Voiceover Marketplace
Voices are tailored for voiceover artists seeking opportunities. Here, you can browse available jobs or showcase your project availability.
Over 5,000 jobs are posted monthly, so there’s ample opportunity to find work. Once you’ve completed a project, your payment is conveniently deposited directly into your PayPal account.
Regarding the pay, projects listed under the “audiobooks” category offer a sweet range from $250 to $375. Additionally, you can set your rates and decide how soon you can deliver.
Create your profile, share some samples of your excellent work, and guess what? You can upload as many samples as you like for free.
And if you’re up for it, consider going for the Premium membership – it ups your visibility and matches you with jobs that suit your profile perfectly.
12. The US Review of Books: Book Reviewing
So, have you heard about The US Review of Books? They’re all about providing top-notch reviews to help authors spread the word about their latest titles.
Their tagline says it all: “Professional Reviews for the People.” Every month, The US Review of Books rolls out a newsletter with insightful book reviews.
And here’s the deal – if you’re up for writing reviews, they expect you to keep it between 250 and 300 words. Give a rundown of the plot and share your thoughts.
They focus on keeping things heartfelt and concise, so avoid using first-person language in your reviews. Furthermore, when you request your preferred titles to review, submit your write-ups within two to three weeks.
13. Reedsy Discovery: Reviewer Appreciation Platform
Reedsy Discovery differs from your usual gig because they don’t offer a fixed rate or hourly review pay here.
Instead, readers can show appreciation by tipping you $1, $3, or $5 for your hard work. Sure, you won’t become a millionaire overnight, but it’s an excellent opportunity to sharpen your reviewing skills.
Signing up at Reedsy Discovery is easy. Drop your email, first and last name, and boom – you’re in. You can add a cool avatar and share some tidbits about your reading habits and favorite genres.
If you want to stand out, throw in a brief bio and link them to your best reviews. Whether you’re a wordsmith or a camera person, Reedsy Discovery welcomes written and video reviews.
14. Engage in an Online Reading Community: Thoughts Sharing
Have you ever considered joining online book communities like Goodreads or BookTube? They’re fantastic platforms where you can share your thoughts on the books you’ve read.
And guess what? If you build a solid following and become known in the literary world, you can profit from it.
As you get paid to read books, you can take it up a notch by starting and leading virtual book clubs.
Admittedly, people love discussing books, so why not charge a small fee for membership or session participation? It creates a sense of community and puts extra cash in your pocket.
15. Leverage Your Social Media Presence: Book Recommendations
Share your favorite book recommendations, reviews, and literary insights on your platforms to amp up your social media game.
As your following grows, you can make money with sponsored posts and affiliate links. Moreover, you can partner with bookstores, publishers, and subscription services to land some sweet deals and exposure.
16. Offer Literary Consultation Services: Author Support
As a literary guru, why don’t you offer expertise to authors, publishers, or agencies? You could help evaluate manuscripts, do market research, or plan book launches.
And if you’re good at spotting talent and negotiating deals, you might even want to consider becoming a literary agent. Representing authors and their works can be lucrative if you know what you’re doing.
17. Provide Freelance Editing and Engage in Beta Reading: Pre-Publication Feedback
Are you a stickler for grammar and spelling? Offer your editing services to authors and publishers.
You can do things like proofreading, copyediting, and developmental editing, all from the comfort of your own home.
Still, authors always look for beta readers to give feedback on their manuscripts before they hit the shelves.
While some might do it for free, others will pay for detailed feedback. It’s a great way to make money and read new books before anyone else.
Final Thoughts
You can venture into endless opportunities and get paid to read books. You’re lucky because this article has outlined the 17 best ways and websites to get paid for reading books.
From writing reviews to narrating audiobooks, there’s something for every book lover. However, remember to stay passionate and refine your skills while indulging in your favorite pastime.Â
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