How To Get Paid to Read Books Online

Are you a voracious reader, always buried in the pages of a novel, or constantly turning the digital pages of your favorite e-books? Did you know you can get paid to read books online? As surprising as it might sound, it’s a legitimate opportunity that combines the joy of reading with the potential to earn a side income.

Many platforms, publishers, and review sites are willing to pay you for your thoughtful insights and critical analysis of a variety of books. In the digital age, this process has become even more convenient and accessible. Whether you love fiction, non-fiction, romance, mystery, or sci-fi, there’s a space for you in the world of paid reading.

We’re going to take a look not only at what the process is, and how to do it, but we’ll look at some of the leading publishers, platforms, and sites where you can get paid to read books. We’ll also look at ways that you can get paid for narrating books out loud and even where you can become a professional freelance proofreader. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dig in.

Get Paid by Writing Book Reviews

If you enjoy delving into the depths of a book and then articulating your thoughts about it, consider writing book reviews. Getting paid to write book reviews is a great way to monetize your reading habit. Companies are on the lookout for honest reviews, which provide valuable feedback for authors and help potential readers make purchasing decisions.

With a knack for writing and an eye for detail, you can craft insightful reviews that can command a fee. Establishing a reputation as a reliable book reviewer could also open doors to pre-release books, further expanding your opportunities. Here are some of the biggest and most well-known platforms and publishers where you can explore the opportunity to get paid for writing book reviews and what it takes to apply with them.

For Publishers Weekly

One of the premier platforms to get paid to read books on is Publishers Weekly. This respected publication offers opportunities to write book reviews, paying per review. To apply, you’ll need to have prior experience in journalism or critical reviews. Visit the Publishers Weekly website and navigate to the ‘Jobs’ section. Here, you can find open positions for reviewers. Remember, Publishers Weekly covers a wide range of genres, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something that aligns with your reading interests. Don’t miss this chance to earn money from your love of books.

For Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews is renowned for its candid and critical book reviews, offering freelance writers the opportunity to get paid to read books. As a reviewer, you’ll need to produce concise yet insightful reviews of around 350 words within two weeks of receiving the book. Genres range from fiction and non-fiction to children’s books, catering to a variety of reading tastes. To apply, visit their website, navigate to ‘Jobs at Kirkus,’ and submit an application for the ‘Freelance Reviewer’ role. Don’t forget to attach a resume and writing samples, preferably previous book reviews. This reputable platform could be your launchpad into becoming a paid book reviewer.

For Booklist

Booklist is a comprehensive review magazine run by the American Library Association, offering avid readers a chance to earn by reading and reviewing books. As a reviewer, you’ll be given both English and Spanish titles, across different genres. To become a part of their team, submit a sample book review along with your resume to the email listed in the ‘Write for Booklist’ section on their website. Upon publication, you’ll be paid, making this a reliable source of income for book enthusiasts.

For Audiofile Magazine

Audiofile Magazine is a niche platform that focuses on audiobooks. If you’re intrigued by the idea of getting paid to read books aloud, this is the place to be. As a reviewer, you’ll be listening to audiobooks and providing comprehensive reviews. To get started, go to their website and click on ‘Write for Audiofile’ to apply. As part of your application, you will need to submit a sample review of an audiobook. Turn your love for audiobooks into a profitable venture with Audiofile Magazine.

For Online Book Club

Online Book Club is a popular platform for getting paid to read books online. They offer free books and up to $60 per review. As a first step, you need to sign up and start by reviewing a book without pay to prove your review skills. Once you’ve demonstrated your competence, you can start getting paid reviews. Visit their website and follow the ‘Reviewer’ signup instructions to get started.

The US Review of Books

The US Review of Books is a reputable platform that hires freelance reviewers to provide insight into a wide array of books. As a reviewer, you’ll get a monthly selection of titles to choose from. To apply, head to their website and find the ‘Become a Reviewer’ section. Fill out the application, submit a resume, and a 250-300 word sample book review. You can also directly contact the editor with a resume, sample work, and at least two professional references. They’re keen on in-depth analysis and well-articulated criticism.

Reedsy Discovery

Reedsy Discovery is a unique platform that focuses on introducing new authors to eager readers. By becoming a reviewer, you can be among the first to discover upcoming talent and help them gain recognition. The platform doesn’t pay per review, but readers can give tips, which can add up to a tidy sum. To apply, head to their website, go to ‘Become a Reviewer’, and complete the application process, including submission of a sample review.

BookBrowse

BookBrowse is an online hub of book reviews, author interviews, and reading guides, making it a cherished spot for book lovers. As a reviewer, you can enjoy the benefit of early access to acclaimed books before their public release. Although BookBrowse doesn’t pay in cash, the free books you receive can be a substantial saving, especially for avid readers. They expect reviews to be between 50-300 words and submitted within a few weeks of receiving the book. You can apply to become a reviewer through their website, where you’ll need to provide sample reviews and details about your reading preferences.

Upwork

Upwork is a diverse freelance marketplace that provides ample opportunities for those interested in getting paid to read books. As a book reviewer on Upwork, you have the flexibility to set your rates and choose the projects that align with your interests. Start by creating a profile that highlights your skills in book reviewing, and remember to add samples of your previous work to attract potential clients. It’s a great platform to start with, especially if you’re new to freelance book reviewing. By delivering high-quality reviews and maintaining good relationships with clients, you can build a profitable career on Upwork that will allow you to be more selective with books you review, as well as potentially set higher pay rates.

Women’s Review of Books

Women’s Review of Books is a publication that specifically focuses on books by and about women. As a reviewer for this platform, you’ll play a role in promoting female voices in literature. They pay for reviews, making it a worthy venture for those looking to get paid to read books. To apply, you need to send a resume along with a sample book review to the editor. Their website provides detailed guidelines about what they expect in a review, so it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with these before applying.

Bookwritten

Bookwritten is a growing platform dedicated to book reviews, author interviews, and articles about literature. As a reviewer on Bookwritten, you’ll have the opportunity to read a broad range of books and share your insights with a community of book lovers. To join their team of contributors, visit their website and fill out the form provided under ‘Write for Us.’ You’ll need to provide a short bio and some samples of your previous work. They welcome both experienced and new reviewers, making it a great place to start your journey of getting paid to read books. Plus, they offer a stipend for each published review, making it a rewarding opportunity.

Pitch Directly to Publishers & Magazines

Another way to get paid to read books is to directly pitch to publishing houses and magazines. This approach requires more initiative but it can lead to more consistent and higher-paying work. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Identify Potential Publishers/Magazines: Start by compiling a list of publishers and magazines that align with your interests and expertise. This could include mainstream publishers, independent presses, genre-specific magazines, and literary journals.
2. Research Submission Guidelines: Most publishers and magazines have submission guidelines on their websites. Carefully review these guidelines to understand what they’re looking for in a book reviewer.
3. Craft Your Pitch: When writing your pitch, be sure to include your qualifications, areas of expertise, and previous reviewing experience. Make it clear that you’re not just a passionate reader but also a critical thinker who can provide valuable insights.
4. Send Samples of Your Work: Include a few examples of your book reviews with your pitch. These should demonstrate your reviewing style and your ability to analyze and discuss literature.
5. Follow Up: If you don’t hear back after a couple of weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up email.

Direct pitching to publishers and magazines takes more effort than signing up for a review platform, but it also has the potential to lead to more prestigious and higher-paying opportunities. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. However, it also allows you to establish long-term relationships with publishers and become a trusted reviewer in the literary world.

Get Paid by Narrating for Audio Books

The popularity of audiobooks has been skyrocketing for a while, offering a unique opportunity to get paid to read books aloud. Audiobook narrators help bring stories to life, using their voice to create vivid images in the readers’ or this case, listeners’ minds. A good command of language, clear pronunciation, and the ability to use different tones and voices are key to success in this role. You’ll have the chance to work on a variety of projects, from fiction to nonfiction, each requiring a unique storytelling style.

If you have a great voice and a passion for books, this can be a profitable venture. Some multiple platforms and services operate with the intent of connecting those with projects with those who are willing to read for them. Below is more information on how to get into this field and what it may be able to offer.

Become a Professional Proofreader

Another way to capitalize on your love for reading is to become a professional proofreader. This involves reading manuscripts and checking for errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, and formatting. Proofreaders are vital in the publishing process, ensuring that the final product is polished and professional. If you have a keen eye for detail and a firm grasp of grammar rules, proofreading could be a great way to get paid to read books.

Platforms like ACX, Findaway Voices, and Voices.com provide opportunities for voice-over artists and narrators to get paid for reading books out loud. ACX, Amazon’s Audiobook Creation Exchange, is a marketplace where authors, publishers, and narrators come together to produce audiobooks. Similarly, Findaway Voices helps connect narrators with authors and publishers looking to create audiobooks. Voices.com is a broader platform that includes opportunities for audiobook narration along with other voice-over work.

ACX

ACX, or Audiobook Creation Exchange, is a platform that connects authors and publishers with narrators, engineers, and recording studios. If you’re interested in getting paid to read books aloud, ACX can be a great starting point. You can create a profile showcasing your voice and narration style, then audition for available projects. Authors and publishers will select the voice that best matches their vision. ACX offers both per-finished-hour rates and royalty shares, allowing narrators to choose the payment structure that best suits them.

Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices is another exceptional platform for those seeking to get paid to read books aloud. As an audiobook narrator on Findaway Voices, you’ll have the chance to work with authors and publishers from all around the world. You can set your per-finished-hour rate, giving you control over your potential earnings. To start, create a profile, upload samples that highlight your voice and narrative style, and then wait for project invitations to roll in. With a vast global reach, the opportunities on Findaway Voices are broad and varied.

Voices

Voices is a comprehensive platform that caters to all types of voice-over work, including audiobook narration. To become a part of this community, you’ll need to set up a profile, highlighting your voice’s unique qualities. Once your profile is complete, you can start auditioning for projects. Voices have an extensive client base, providing ample opportunity to find audiobook narration work. It’s not just about getting paid to read books; it’s about bringing those books to life for listeners around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Get Paid to Review Books on Amazon?

While Amazon does not directly pay individuals for writing book reviews, there are ways to monetize your reviews on the platform. You can join Amazon’s affiliate program, Amazon Associates, and include affiliate links in your reviews or on your blog. Every time a user clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a small commission. Additionally, some publishers or authors might pay for reviews to help promote their books, but these arrangements occur outside Amazon’s platform. The ACX platform is also part of Audible, which is a subsidiary of Amazon. It’s important to remember, however, that all reviews should be honest and unbiased, regardless of whether you’re being compensated for your work

How do I get paid to read books out loud?

Getting paid to read books out loud entails venturing into the world of audiobook narration. As the demand for audiobooks continues to rise, so does the need for talented narrators. Websites like ACX, Findaway Voices, and Voices.com connect narrators with authors and publishers. You can create a profile on these platforms, upload samples of your narration, and audition for projects. If selected, you’ll be given a manuscript to read aloud and record. You’re typically paid per finished hour of audio, with rates varying based on your experience and the complexity of the project. It’s a great way to transform your reading passion into a lucrative gig.

How much can I make by reading books?

The earnings for reading books can vary widely based on factors like the platform you’re using, your experience level, the length and complexity of the book, and whether you’re writing reviews, proofreading, or narrating audiobooks. As a book reviewer, earnings can range from $10 to $60 per review. Audiobook narrators, depending on experience and the length of the book, can earn from $100 to $500 per finished hour. As a proofreader, the average pay is about $20 per hour. Ultimately, your earning potential can grow as you gain more experience and build a reputation in the field.