Want to learn how to get paid to read books? Yes, you can actually get paid to do something you probably enjoy doing every day—reading books!
If you find yourself staying up late to finish a book, cozying up with a new read at every opportunity, or listening to audiobooks non-stop, this could be a fantastic way to make money.
What many people don’t realize is that there are legitimate websites and companies that pay you to read books aloud or review them. These are real job opportunities, often allowing you to work from home, making it a flexible way to earn extra income.
Can I make a career out of reading books? Absolutely! Some people get paid to read books as a full-time job, while others do it as a side hustle to supplement their income.
No matter your goal, there are many ways to earn money by reading books, regardless of your preferred genre—be it horror, romance, fiction, nonfiction, or any other type.
This might sound too good to be true, which is why I’ve dedicated an entire article to explain how you can get paid to read books.
This article will cover legitimate websites that pay you to read books and answer some common questions about this unique opportunity.
16 Legitimate Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
Is there a job that pays you to read books? Yes! Below are 16 ways to get paid to read books.
Best Sites To Get Paid To Review Books Online
Yes, there are websites that will pay you to review books. Each site varies, but you are typically paid in cash via PayPal or bank transfer, and/or you may receive a free book in exchange for your review.
These websites seek genuine feedback, not just positive reviews, to help publishers and new authors get real insights into their work.
If you’re wondering how to read books and get paid, becoming a book reviewer and writing book summaries is a great place to start.
Some opportunities are easy to apply for, while others may require a resume, sample reviews, or professional references. Click the links below to learn more about each company, how it works, and what they’re looking for in a reviewer.
While you won’t get rich from these opportunities, they can be a fun way to earn side income while enjoying your favorite hobby.
Here are some of the most popular platforms for paid book reviews:
1. Online Book Club
With OnlineBookClub.org, you start by receiving a free book (no cash). For subsequent books, you will be eligible for paid review opportunities, with payments ranging from $5 to $60 per review.
This site claims you can make up to a few hundred dollars a month by reviewing books.
2. Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Media seeks book reviewers for English and Spanish language books in their Kirkus Indie section. Reviews should be around 350 words and are due two weeks after book assignment. They review nearly all genres, offering plenty of options.
3. UpWork
On UpWork, you can create a profile and list yourself as a book reviewer. Clients and authors can then hire you directly to read and review their books. As a freelancer, you can set your own rates, which can range from $15 to $75 per hour.
4. The US Review of Books
This website uses freelance writers to review books, with reviews ranging from 250 to 300 words. To become a reviewer, you need to submit a resume, sample work, and at least two professional references.
5. Reedsy
Reedsy Discovery allows you to review books before they are published and earn money through reader tips, which can be $1, $3, or $5 per review.
6. Booklist
Booklist Publications seeks freelance book reviewers to write 150 to 175-word reviews. They pay $15 per review once it’s published. This service helps guide library workers in purchasing books.
7. BookBrowse
BookBrowse offers opportunities to review various genres, including young adult, nonfiction, and graphic novels. Reviewers typically write one review per month.
8. Women’s Review of Books
This print publication by the Wellesley Centers for Women pays for reviews of books, poetry, and more.
9. Publishers Weekly
This weekly news magazine accepts book review submissions.
10. New Pages
New Pages features book and literary magazine reviews. They seek short, 200-word reviews that are substantive.
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Other Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
There are numerous ways to earn money by reading books. Here are some additional opportunities to consider:
11. Become a Book Proofreader
As a proofreader, you get paid to read books before they are published. Proofreading is a crucial step in the publishing process, as it involves correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Whether working for self-publishing authors or large book publishers, proofreaders are always in demand.
Online proofreading jobs offer flexibility and require attention to detail. All you need is a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and a keen eye for spotting mistakes. If you’re good at catching errors, this could be a great career option.
I interviewed a professional proofreader to learn more about the role, including:
- What does a proofreader do?
- How much money do proofreaders make each month?
- How do I find entry-level proofreading jobs?
12. Read Aloud for Audiobooks
Yes, you can get paid to read books aloud as a voice-over actor.
Audiobooks are incredibly popular, and narrating them can be a fun and rewarding job.
Voice-over actors are the voices behind audiobooks, iTunes, Audible, YouTube videos, radio ads, explainer videos, corporate narration, documentaries, TV commercials, video games, movies, and cartoons.
In 2014, my friend Carrie transitioned from a salaried day job to becoming a full-time voice-over actor. She even created a six-week online class that sold out, with several students booking voice acting jobs before the class ended.
I interviewed Carrie to learn more about this career, including:
- How she got started
- Who her most common clients are
- How much a beginner voice-over actor can expect to make
- The benefits of becoming a voice-over actor
- How to find your first voice-over job
- The costs and equipment needed (voice talent, microphone, and headphones)
You can learn more about becoming a narrator for audiobooks in the article “How To Become A Voice Over Actor.”
13. Start a Book Review Blog and Earn Affiliate Income
Creating a book review blog allows you to review books that interest you or relate to your blog’s topic.
Readers value honest reviews, and you can monetize your blog through affiliate links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online stores.
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money blogging. Here’s how it works:
- Affiliates promote a product or service and earn a commission for sales made through their unique affiliate links.
- When someone purchases through your link, the company tracks the sale and pays you a commission.
For example, the Amazon affiliate program is perfect for a book blog. You can share links to specific books and earn commissions on sales made through your links.
Starting a book review blog offers flexibility and can be highly profitable over time. You’ll be your own boss, choosing which books to read and review.
You can learn how to start a book blog with my free “How To Start a Blog Course,” which covers: - Reasons to start a blog
- How to choose a blog topic
- Creating your blog on WordPress
- Monetizing your blog
- Making passive income through blogging
- Growing your traffic and followers
- Additional blogging tips
Alternatively, consider starting a YouTube channel to review books.
14. Get Paid to Translate Books
If you’re fluent in another language, you can get paid to translate books. This could involve translating books into another language or proofreading/editing translated books to ensure they read well.
You can find book translation jobs on platforms like:
- UpWork: Create a free profile, apply for jobs, and get paid (service fees apply).
- Babelcube: Select books to translate into one of over 15 languages and partner with published authors.
- Guru: Lists freelance writing and translation jobs.
- Indeed: Lists jobs from various sources.
- FlexJobs: Popular for remote and work-from-home jobs (membership fee applies).
- Today Translations: Seeks freelance translators.
- Fiverr: List your translation services and pricing.
- Ulatus: Provides translation services and needs translators.
- Creating your own website to attract clients.
15. Get Paid to Write Books
If you love reading, you might also enjoy writing books. Writing your own book can be a lucrative way to make money from home. For example, my friend Alyssa self-published her first book and has sold over 13,000 copies, earning a passive income of over $200 a day.
You can also write romance novels, which are very popular. My friend Yuwanda Black earns over $3,000 a month writing short romance novels. She shares her tips in the article “How to Make Money Self-Publishing Short Romance Novels on Amazon,” and offers a free “Making Money Writing Romance” online course.
16. Find a Full-Time Career in the Publishing Industry
There are many full-time jobs in the publishing industry that involve reading books. These roles often require at least a bachelor’s degree and include:
- Book Marketing Assistant
- Book Publicist
- Book Public Relations Agent
- Book Layout Designer
- Book Graphic Designer
- Book Editor
- Copy Editor
- Illustrator
- Literary Agent
- Sales Representative
- Production Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Book Contract Manager
These careers offer opportunities to earn money by reading and working with books in various capacities.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get Paid To Read Books
Below are common questions about how to get paid to read books online.
Can I earn money by reading books?
Yes, you can get paid to read books through various jobs such as becoming a book reviewer, proofreader, narrator, translator, and more.
Can you get paid to read books aloud? Are there jobs that pay you to read books?
Absolutely! You can get paid to read books aloud. For instance, ACX by Amazon/Audible allows you to narrate books to be turned into audiobooks. Another platform for audiobook voiceover work is Findaway Voices.
How much do book readers get paid?
The payment for book readers varies widely depending on the type of job and the time invested. Roles such as proofreading, voice-over acting for audiobooks, starting a book review blog, translating books, writing books, and finding a career in the publishing industry can all become full-time jobs with substantial income.
You might earn $5 for a book review or hundreds to thousands of dollars for other roles. It depends on your specific job and employer.
How can I get paid $200 to read books? What company will pay you $200 to read a book?
To make $200 a month reading books, consider options like reviewing books online, proofreading, narrating audiobooks, starting a book blog, translating books, writing your own books, or finding a full-time job in the book industry.
Can you make a living reading books? Can I get paid to read books?
Yes, you can make a living reading books, although not all book reading jobs are full-time. Some roles may require just reading and reviewing a book, while others may need an application, resume, and writing samples. Many of these opportunities can serve as side hustles.
Does Amazon pay you to read books? Will Audible pay me to read books?
Yes! With ACX, you can find jobs narrating audiobooks. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is Audible’s marketplace where authors and publishers connect with narrators and producers to create audiobooks. ACX offers over 1,200 books open for auditions.
You can get paid via:
- A per-hour rate that you set, paid upon successful completion of the audiobook.
- Royalties shared from sales with the book rights holder.
To start with ACX:
- Create a profile.
- Upload voice samples.
- Choose your payment method.
- Audition for books by recording a few minutes of the manuscript.
- Accept an offer, agreeing on delivery dates and payment terms.
- Record the audiobook.
- Get paid.
How much do you get paid for reading audiobooks?
The payment for narrating audiobooks can range from around $1,000 to over $5,000 per book.
Can I read books on YouTube and get paid?
Yes! You can earn money on YouTube similarly to blogging. Share affiliate links to the books you read, and once your channel gains enough views, you can monetize with ads. Learn more in the interview: “How I Grew From 0 Subscribers To Over $100,000 On YouTube In Less Than One Year.”
What jobs pay you to read books?
Jobs that pay you to read books include:
- Book reviewer
- Book proofreader
- Narrator
- Voice actor
- Translator
- Author
- Book Marketing Assistant
- Book Publicist
- Book Public Relations Agent
- Book Layout Designer
- Book Graphic Designer
- Book Editor
- Copy Editor
- Illustrator
- Literary Agent
- Sales Representative
- Production Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Book Contract Manager
Other related roles include journalists, academic professionals, bookstore employees (e.g., Barnes & Noble), publishing company staff, booksellers, and librarians.
How To Get Paid To Read Books – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get paid for reading books. It was fun to put together, as there are so many different ways for book lovers to earn money doing what they enjoy.
As you learned, there are numerous ways to make money with books. From reviewing books and reading them aloud, to selling, translating, and writing books, you can choose the path that interests you most. You can even get paid to read books for Amazon.
With a variety of genres available—non-fiction, biographies, travel, poetry, bestsellers, and more—you’re sure to find something that captivates you.
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