20 Proven Ways To Get Paid To Read Books in 2024
For many people, curling up with a good book is the best way to pass the time. However, it may not have occurred to you to turn your love of reading into a stream of income. Whether it’s reading books aloud, editing or just plain reading there are several ways you can earn a few extra bucks by simply doing what you love to do.
Read More: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money
Quick Take: How Do I Get Paid to Read Books?
When you’re looking for companies that will pay you to read books, keep in mind there’s usually something more to the arrangement than just reading the book. Some companies will ask for short reviews. Some will want longer articles. Companies that create audiobooks will require you to submit a recording of your reading the book, which is a great way to make money on your phone.
20 Ways To Read Books for Money
In today’s digital age, where the demand for content is ever-growing, getting paid to be a book reader is not out of the realm of possibility–in fact, it can even become a side gig. Whether you’re a bibliophile looking to turn your passion into a source of passive income or someone seeking flexible work opportunities, there are numerous ways to monetize your love for reading in 2024.
Here are 20 different ways and websites where you can get paid to read books:
Kirkus Review
Booklist
ACX
Findaway Voices
Voices
The U.S. Review of Books
Reedsy Discovery
BookBrowse
UpWork
Online Book Club
Audiobook Narration
Start a Blog or Podcast About Books
Translate Books
Join an Online Reading Community
Monetize Your Social Media Platforms
Offer Literary Consulting Courses
Do Freelance Editing
Start Beta Reading
Submit Writing to a Literary Magazine
Create Book Summaries
1. Kirkus Review
Kirkus Review is a highly reputable website that reviews books of all genres and formats. The site is seeking experienced reviewers of English and Spanish titles written by self-published authors for Kirkus Indie.
This gig does not appear to be for newbies, as the site requests a resume, writing samples and a list of reviewing specialties. With most freelance gigs, the more impressive your writing samples and the more prestigious places you have been published, the better your chances of being selected.
2. Booklist
Booklist is part of the American Library Association. Its reviewers help school and public library workers to choose books for purchase or recommendation to library patrons. Booklist calls its reviews “the haiku of book reviewing,” requesting 150-to-175-word reviews that include a plot synopsis, suggest the book’s ideal audience and recommend similar titles.
3. ACX
ACX offers professional narrators and audiobook producers the opportunity to earn money working with published authors who need a narrator for their book. You can also earn money by referring Audible users to your recorded books through the Bounty Referral Program.
You can enlist the help of other studio professionals to complete and finalize your audio recording. You’ll get paid once the audiobook is published or you’ll receive ongoing pay equal to 50% of the royalties on sales. Once you have at least 25 audiobooks under your belt, you can apply to be an Audible Approved Producer.
4. Findaway Voices
Findaway Voices works similarly to ACX, where authors choose narrators to create audiobooks for them. It offers a comprehensive guide with all the tools to help you succeed.
You can create a profile as a narrator. You’ll receive a custom URL to make it easy for authors to find you. Then, upload samples of your work, along with an audio intro, bio, cover image and an avatar.
5. Voices
Voices is a marketplace for voiceover artists to find jobs or list their availability for projects. The platform says that more than 5,000 jobs are posted each month. When you’re done with a project, your payment is deposited automatically into PayPal.
Projects listed under the “audiobooks” skill offer pay ranging from $250 up to $375. As a voiceover artist, you can choose your rates and delivery time when you list your services.
Simply create your profile and upload samples of your work — you can upload an unlimited number of samples for free. If you opt for the paid Premium membership, you’ll be matched with jobs that fit your profile.
6. The US Review of Books
With the tagline “Professional Reviews for the People,” The US Review of Books publishes a monthly newsletter of book reviews to help authors get the word out about their newest titles. Reviewers are expected to write between 250 and 300 words, offering a plot synopsis and insights. The site’s guidelines request “heart and succinct writing,” without using first-person language in the review. The review can compare similar books, offer opinions or discuss the author’s experience and previous titles.
Reviewers can request their preferences from a list of titles. Once assigned, The US Review of Books expects reviews to be submitted within two to three weeks.
7. Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy Discovery doesn’t pay a flat rate, or even an hourly rate, for reviews. Instead, it allows readers to share tips of $1, $3 or $5 to reviewers in appreciation of their work. You won’t get rich writing reviews for Reedsy, but it is a great way to hone your skills if you are looking to write reviews for larger, more well-known sites, like Kirkus Reviews.
The application process for Reedsy is easy. Just provide your email address and first and last name to create an account. You’ll also have an opportunity to upload an avatar. Then, answer a few questions about your reading habits and the genres you’d like to review. Include a brief bio. To improve your chances of being selected, share links to some of your best reviews. You can submit reviews on video or in written form.
8. BookBrowse
BookBrowse requires review applicants to have good quality sample reviews of at least 300 words before applying. Reviewers must also submit a “Beyond the Book” article in conjunction with each review. Most reviewers write one review per month, and titles include adult fiction and non-fiction, as well as young adult fiction.
The application process is easy and requires listing your favorite genres, sharing two high-quality reviews — plus a link to other reviews if you’d like — and a short bio.
9. Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest online marketplaces for freelancers, and you can find plenty of book review opportunities amidst other freelance writing gigs. Qualifications and requirements will vary depending on the client and the specific project. In many cases, Upwork can provide a foot in the door to ongoing work as a book reviewer, making it one of the best sites that will, indirectly, pay you to read books.
Create a Freelancer account on the site, list your skills and experience and upload a portfolio. Then search for jobs and submit proposals for the ones you want. If a client wants to hire you, they’ll send you a contract.
10. Online Book Club
OnlineBookClub.org lets you choose the titles you’d most like to read from a list of books. You receive the books free and then write a review. Your won’t be paid in cash for your first review, but subsequent reviews pay between $5 and $60, according to the website.
Unlike many other online review websites, you do not need to submit an application or have previous book review samples published. That makes this website more open to beginning reviewers.
11. Audiobook Narration
Audiobook narration and production are growing fields with opportunities for voice actors, editors, and producers. If you love audiobooks and have a great voice this offers you the chance to combine your love of reading and performing.
12. Start a Blog or Podcast About Books
Create your own platform, such as a blog or podcast, dedicated to discussing books. Once you build a loyal audience, you can monetize your platform through ads, sponsored content, affiliate marketing and even Patreon subscriptions. It may take a while to start earning real money this way, but once you find your audience it could lead to a financial windfall.
Freelance or blog writing gigs related to books and literature are abundant. You can pitch book reviews, listicles, essays, and other content ideas to online publications, magazines, and blogs that pay for quality book-related content.
13. Translate Books
If you’re proficient in multiple languages, you can explore opportunities in book translation. Translating books from one language to another can be a lucrative niche, especially for in-demand languages.
14. Join an Online Reading Community
Platforms such as Goodreads and BookTube, which is the YouTube page dedicated to books, offer opportunities for readers to share their thoughts on books they’ve read. If you grow your following and become an influencer in the literary world you can easily start monetizing your content.
Organize and host virtual book clubs for readers interested in discussing and analyzing books together. Charge a fee for membership or session participation, creating a community while earning income.
15. Monetize Your Social Media Platforms
Grow your social media presence by sharing book recommendations, reviews and literary insights. Once you have a sizable following, you can earn money through sponsored posts, affiliate links, and brand partnerships.
Some market research companies and academic institutions will pay you to read books and provide feedback through surveys or interviews. You can even partner with bookstores, publishers, and literary subscription services to promote their products or services. Collaborations can range from sponsored content to ambassador programs, providing both exposure and income.
16. Offer Literary Consulting Services
Provide consulting services to authors, publishers or literary agencies. This could involve manuscript evaluations, market research, or strategic planning for book launches.
If you have a passion for discovering new talent and negotiating deals, you could even offer literary agent services as a part of your fee. Representing authors and their works can be financially rewarding, especially if you have a good eye for marketable books.
17. Do Freelance Editing
If you have a keen eye for detail and a love for editing, consider offering editorial services to authors and publishers. This could include proofreading, copyediting, and developmental editing, all of which can be done remotely.
18. Start Beta Reading
Authors often seek beta readers to provide feedback on their manuscripts before publication. While some may offer this service for free, others are willing to pay for detailed feedback and insights, which is a great way to not only make money but also get your hands on new books before anyone else.
19. Submit Writing to a Literary Magazine
Many literary magazines and journals pay for short stories, essays and poems. As a literary enthusiast, you can submit your creative work or work as an editor for these publications. Generally, when you submit you can get the whole issue for free as well.
20. Become a Book Reviewer
Many websites, blogs, and publications pay individuals to write thoughtful and insightful book reviews. Platforms like NetGalley, Goodreads, and Publishers Weekly often offer opportunities for book reviewers to receive free copies of books in exchange for their reviews.
Final Take To GO
If you have a passion for reading and a way with words, you can combine your hobby with your skillset to get paid for reading books. Getting paid to read books is not just a dream but a viable reality thanks to the myriad opportunities available in the digital age. Whether you choose to write reviews, create content, offer services or explore entrepreneurial ventures, the key lies in leveraging your passion for literature into profitable endeavors.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 20 Proven Ways To Get Paid To Read Books in 2024
