Have you ever thought about if you can get paid to read? If you said yes, then keep reading! We’ll discuss how you can earn money by reading books. And if you have a good speaking voice, you can also get paid to read books aloud!
This digital world we are all part of can be amazing. There are so many opportunities to earn money, you just have to know what you’re looking for and where to look. Which we’ll cover in this article, let’s go!
How can you get paid to read books?
In case you are still wondering, yes you can earn money by reading books. Here are several ways to do just this.
Read books for money by writing a review
Why would someone pay for a book review? Because book reviews are a great way for authors to market books. So, publishers and websites will pay to have them instead of waiting for reviews to come in.
Check out the section below for websites that pay you to read books for reviews to get a sense of the pay and how to apply.
Earn money by reading books aloud
So, you can earn money by reading books aloud. Audiobooks are not new, but they’re becoming popular.
It’s because it’s now easier to access them through apps. Unlike before, when people had to buy stacks of CDs to listen to a book.
Look through our list of places where you can get paid to read books aloud. Arm yourself with a good microphone, headphones, and an audio recording program such as Audacity. And you're good to go!
Proofread books for extra cash
Meanwhile, self-publishing is on the rise because the internet has made it cheap and easy to create books. Furthermore, Amazon has made it affordable and easy to distribute books. These have in turn created many opportunities for freelancers to earn money by reading books, which includes proofreading.
Proofreading books for authors can be a great way to make money. Proofreading focuses on correcting inconsistencies and errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation especially when read aloud. So, if you notice details and enjoy reading, you can make extra cash as a proofreader.
Get paid to read and edit books
Editing is more involved than proofreading. Editors are responsible for checking books for content plus grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They ensure that the final draft is readable, has a solid story, and flows smoothly.
Editing books may not be something you can just pick up and start doing. But if you are looking for a career change or a way to earn money by reading books, editing pays well.
Websites that pay you to read books for reviews
Publishers and book distributors are always looking for book reviewers. And you can apply whether you’re a beginner or have experience writing.
You’ll find that many cater to all genres as well. Websites want reviewers for nonfiction, fiction, classics, indie books, and everything in between.
Although the pay for writing book reviews may not let you quit your full-time job, it’s still a great way to make extra money. So, here’s our list of websites that pay you to read books for reviews.
1. Kirkus Media
Virginia Kirkus started Kirkus Media in 1933 to provide unbiased pre-publication reviews for book buyers. To this day, that is the purpose of Kirkus Reviews magazine.
Next time you pick up a book, pay attention to the cover, it might include a blurb from Kirkus. Other websites like Amazon also use the magazine for reviews as well.
Kirkus accept English and Spanish language book reviewers. And they accept reviews for all types of genres.
To apply, you need to send them your resume and some writing samples. Once accepted, they assign you a book to read. Then, you have two weeks to submit a 350-word review.
2. Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy helps authors craft and publish indie books, so it's great for readers that think outside the box. Submit an application form if this is something that interests you.
With Reedsy, you can also build a reputation as an excellent reviewer, which opens up more opportunities for you to read books for money! Because you are free to connect with authors who want to work with you specifically.
3. Online Book Club
The Online Book Club is a free online community that includes features and tools for book lovers. Their Bookshelves app lets readers store, track, and share lists of books.
In addition, members can go to the reading forums to discuss any book with other people who read the same book.
Most payouts on the Online Book Club range from $5 - $60 per book review.
As a website that caters to readers, they’re transparent with the pay and the process. They don’t expect you to only submit positive reviews. But they want you to give an honest, quick insight.
4. Upwork
Upwork is a freelancing platform where you can look for jobs for you to read books for money. You can search the website for listings on completing book reviews, editing, and proofreading.
The website is a one-stop freelance shop where you can get paid to read emails or read books aloud. Note that the pay varies depending on the job, your experience, and your client.
5. Instaread
Instaread is a subscription-based service that offers a thorough overview of books in 15-minute audio or texts to readers. They provide key insights and takeaways from bestselling and classic books to make reading fast and easy.
In this regard, Instaread pays for book summaries instead of book reviews. You’ll need to write around 1,000 to 1,500 words. But they do pay $100 per summary.
Take a look at this style guide for what they’re looking for, and check back on their website for open calls.
6. Booklist Online
The American Library Association has published Booklist as a book-review magazine for more than 100 years. It offers reviews to help libraries decide what to buy and help library users know what's worth it to read, view, or listen to.
Booklist Online is the web version of the Booklist print magazine. Its audience includes librarians, booksellers, and educators. So, if you love to read, this is a great way to earn money by reading books, and you’re helping out students and educators too!
They need reviews of around 150 to 175 words, for which they pay $15 per review. Make sure to check out their website for samples of reviews and to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
7. US Review of Books
The U.S. Review of Books aims to provide reviews to give every book and author equal and fair consideration. They also promote the books to their subscribers and on social media for added visibility.
They’re looking for 250 to 300 word reviews that are straightforward and based on facts.
Go over their requirements and examples of reviews they accept to see if it’s a fit for you.
8. getAbstract
getAbstract provides access to summarized expert knowledge to its subscribers. And to do that, they need people to provide professional summaries of non-fiction books. So, getAbstract may be a great match for you if you love reading non-fiction books.
If you like this idea, fill out their application form and give it a go. What a way to get paid to read articles and books you’re going to read anyway, right?
Where to get paid to read books aloud
Since audiobooks have become easier to access through apps, this market is booming. Publishers, authors, and book distributors alike are paying to have books narrated.
If you’re more of a speaker than someone who likes to write, you’ll like these websites that pay you to read books aloud.
1. Audiobook Creative Exchange of Amazon
The Audiobook Creative Exchange of Amazon (ACX) is a platform that offers many opportunities for you to earn money by reading books. ACX produces audiobooks for Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Check out the step-by-step guideline on how to start your audiobook career. Create a profile and select a book to narrate for your audition.
If you pass the audition, the author will contact you with an offer, delivery dates, and payment terms. You have two choices for payment: collect an hourly rate or a 50% royalty share. You can also pick both options if you’re unsure.
2. Findaway Voices
Similar to ACX, Findaway Voices is an audiobook creation platform. The only difference is they cater mainly to authors. Authors use the Marketplace to find professional voice actors and narrators for audiobooks.
To become a narrator for Findaway Voices, simply create a profile page in the Marketplace. Make sure to include an audio intro, samples, filter tags, a background image, and a personalized URL.
All of which will give you a competitive edge and help to present you as a professional.
3. Voices
Voices is another freelancing platform that connects brands with professionals who can bring projects to life. Browse through the Marketplace, and you’ll find jobs for voice-over, music, audio production, and translation.
You can start working on Voices by creating a profile and uploading samples of your work. The platform has three tiers of membership.
The free tier lets clients find you through your profile. But you need a Premium or Platinum membership to be able to audition for available jobs.
Other options where you can get paid to read
If completing book reviews or becoming a voice artist isn’t your cup of tea, read on. We have more side hustle ideas on how to get paid to read.
Get paid to read emails as a virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant, you can get paid to read emails. Entrepreneurship has been a growing trend for the past decade in the United States alone. In fact, there were almost 5.4 million new business registrations recently.
Behind every business is an entrepreneur who needs help managing phone calls, scheduling meetings, and answering emails. So, it’s the virtual assistant’s job to take care of these tasks and keep things running smoothly.
Visit sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and People Per Hour to browse the jobs. Check out what qualifications your prospective clients are looking for and how much each job pays.
Work in editing and get paid to read news
The 24-hour news cycle is probably not a good thing for us doom scrollers. But it offers a way to get paid to read news. Make money proofreading and editing news articles for bloggers and journalists.
If you have any experience, you can start advertising your services. You can also ask your friends and family if they know anyone who can give you your first job. Otherwise, freelancing platforms like Upwork and People Per Hour are good places to start.
Get paid to read articles for people
If you're not keen on reading the news, you can get paid to read articles as a proofreader or editor. You can proofread for any business that publishes blog posts or newsletters.
For instance, you can work as a freelancer and offer your services to marketing agencies, businesses, and bloggers.
In these positions, it helps to be proficient in more than one type of copy or topic. You may need to pick up new skills before you start looking for jobs as well.
Becoming a proofreader or editor isn't easy. But with a little preparation time and planning, you can set yourself up for a great way to make extra money.
You can make extra cash by reading!
The online world is full of possibilities to pursue your passion and make money. Isn't it awesome to be able to use the skills you already have while doing what you love?
We’ve shown you that you can earn money by reading books. In addition, you can also get paid to read emails and get paid to read books aloud.
And if you're going to be reading anyway, expand your financial knowledge by checking out the 14 best books about money mindset.
In addition, when you start earning cash from this side hustle, create awesome financial goals using our free course, and make a money plan that works.