I’d say folks who want to get paid to read books are hard to come by these days. But if you have a penchant for the written word, you could get paid to do what you love!
You might be tempted to laugh it off, thinking it’s too good to be true, but it’s not. You can be compensated for doing something you enjoy.
Book reviews, where you give your personal opinion of a book after you’ve finished it, are what I’m talking about.
Book reviewers are always in demand because new books are published on a regular basis.
If you’re a voracious reader of any genre, there’s almost certainly an outlet eager to pay you to give reviews! Now, here is a comprehensive list of websites that offer to pay people to read books.
Get Paid To Read Books With These Sites
Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy Discovery, a behemoth in the world of indie publications, allows book reviewers to read the latest self-published novels. You can look through hundreds of new stories before deciding on one that interests you.
You can also communicate with authors directly for a review if you’ve established a reputation as a book reviewer.
Its application method is straightforward. Fill out their form to be considered for a position as a book reviewer. Once you’ve been accepted, you can instantly begin browsing the shelves and reading.
Also, book reviewers can seek advice on how to write better book reviews. As a gesture of thanks, readers can give $1, $3, or $5. These are meager amounts but are welcomed, right?
Book Browse
Book Browse’s First Impressions program allows members to read Advance Readers’ Copies, or ARCs, of novels months before they’re published. Each month, you’ll be given four to six books. You can choose whether or not you want to read any of them by responding to their members-only newsletter.
However, because Book Browse only has 25 ARC copies of each book on order, there’s a chance you won’t always get the book you ordered.
If you correspond with a book, Book Browse requests that your review be between 50 and 100 words long. At most, it shouldn’t exceed 300 words. Book Browse will supply you with the book for free but will not compensate you for your review.
So you won’t exactly get paid to write reviews, but you won’t have to pay for new books.
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Kirkus Media
If you’ve ever spent time on an Amazon book page, you’ve probably heard of Kirkus Reviews. It’s one of the most well-known book review sites, with many of the blurbs on back covers.
An open application for book reviewers is listed on Kirkus Media’s website. They’re currently looking for someone to evaluate indie games in English and Spanish.
Experience, a keen eye, and the capacity to compose a 350-word review in two weeks are some of the attributes they prefer. Send your résumé and writing samples to apply.
Any Subject Books
Any Subject Books is a self-publishing service that offers a comprehensive range of services. It also hires book reviewers on a book-by-book basis. ASB assists readers in reviewing new novels, which is good news for you.
In-depth, honest, and objective reviews are vital to them. They don’t take fluff here.
They’re also delighted to provide you with books in your favorite genres. So if you’re a huge fan of nonfiction, you won’t be asked to read the latest sci-fi novel.
U.S. Review of Books
U.S. Review of Books is a national organization that reviews all types of books. Then they publish the results in a popular monthly newsletter. A book reviewer’s job is straightforward. When a book title is listed, reviewers can request to read it and be assigned to it.
A standard U.S. Review of Books review is between 250 to 300 words long. In evaluations, they’re searching for knowledgeable viewpoints and professionalism, as well as conciseness. To apply, send an email with your resume, a sample of your work, and two professional references.
I recommend familiarizing yourself with some of their previous reviews to better understand what they’ll accept.
Upwork
If you work as a freelancer, you’ve probably heard of Upwork. Upwork, one of the largest freelance marketplaces, has a hand in almost every industry. People looking for freelance book reviewers often put listings on its marketplace, which comes as no surprise.
Because each position caters to a different client, the credentials and criteria may vary. A listing could look for specific things. It could be a one-time project, or it could evolve into a long-term partnership with the client.
The genre of the book will usually be specified in the listing. So you’ll know what you’re getting before agreeing to collaborate with the client on the other end.
Online Book Club
According to OBC’s FAQs, potential book reviewers should be aware that their service is not a get-rich-quick gimmick. You’d be hard-pressed to quit your day job, writing reviews for their site.
Aside from that foreboding reminder, Online Book Club’s setup is quite sensible. You’ll get a free copy of the book and will be compensated for your review. It’s also one of the few sites that are open about their payment rates (which range from $5 to $60). Simply enter your email address to begin the registration process.
Women’s Review of Books
Wellesley Centers for Women publishes the Women’s Review of Books, a long-running and well-respected print periodical. This feminist publication, which has been around for 36 years, is looking for new book reviewers to join its ranks.
If you want to write reviews for Women’s Review of Books, keep in mind that the magazine publishes reviews “in the service of action and consciousness.”
The majority of its contributors are academics, journalists, or book reviewers with years of expertise. If you meet these requirements and are hired, you will be paid $100 for each review. Send them an email with a simple pitch to offer them a review.
New Pages
Do you prefer short, snappy book reviews? If that’s the case, becoming a NewPages reviewer might be right up your alley.
Small presses, independent publishers, booksellers, and literary periodicals may all be found on NewPages.com. They’re also looking for short book reviews, usually between 100 and 200 words. The same goes for any book or piece in any literary magazine.
Even better if you’re already a lover of books from small presses or unknown magazines: that’s the type of reviewer NewPages is looking for. Please take a peek at some of their previous book reviews to see if your tastes are similar.
Tyndale Blog Network
My Reader Rewards Club, a program sponsored by Tyndale Blog Network, is built on a unique rewards structure. You can earn points for specific different actions on the site if you register as a member. For example, you can earn 10 points by adding a friend to the program and providing a direct link to MyReaderRewardsClub.com on Facebook.
Writing a review on Barnes & Noble or Amazon for a Tyndale or NavPress book earns you 10 points – with a maximum of 50 points in 30 days. As a result, you can spend your earned points to get more books from Tyndale’s shelves.
Moody Press
Moody Press is a non-profit Christian publishing house that produces Christian books and Bible study materials. If this is your area of expertise, the Moody Press Blogger Review Program will pique your interest. You’ll receive complimentary copies of a book produced by Moody Press as part of the program.
You won’t be paid for your review, but you will receive a free book. You must also provide your honest evaluation within 60 days of receiving the book from Moody Press.
To get a sense of it, join the MP Newsroom Bloggers Facebook group, where you can connect with other participants.
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly is an online publication that covers all aspects of international book publishing. More importantly, it reviews both traditionally published and self-published books on a regular basis. So they will occasionally post a call for book reviewers.
Instaread
You don’t want to write critical reviews of the books you read? Then Instaread could be a good fit for you.
Instaread is accepting book summaries that summarize the major points of new and old nonfiction. Each summary should be between 1000 and 1500 words long, which is a bit longer than a typical flash book review. However, Instarea will more than make up for it through generous payments.
Instaread pays $100 for each summary you write as of 2019. To better understand the app, check out Instaread’s recommended Style Guide or download it from your App Store.
getAbstract
Are you a voracious reader of nonfiction? getAbstract is a website that breaks down more than 18,000 nonfiction books into 10-minute chunks. Posts for writers are frequently listed on their Career Opportunities page.
getAbstract also looks for science and technology writers who can summarize the most recent magazine articles and books. They pay on a freelance basis, so visit their website for more information.
Booklist Publications
Booklist is a well-regarded review newspaper for librarians published by the American Library Association. They assign freelance book reviews ranging from The Booklist Reader’s blog entries to published book reviews in Booklist magazine. So if you prefer to read blogs and magazines, this could be a good fit for you.
As the name implies, you should be familiar with Booklist Publication’s channels, which include Booklist magazine, quarterly book links, and their blog. You should be able to pull off their writing style. The majority of reviews are succinct (no more than 175 words) and well-written.
To apply, contact a Booklist editor who is interested in your work and be prepared to send a few writing samples.
Writerful Books
Writerful Books is a company that helps authors with everything from beta reading to book reviews. As a result, they’re always on the lookout for new and talented readers/writers.
One of the perks of this position is that you can review any book for them. However, they favor modern award-winning authors from the United States, Australia, the UK, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.
It’s not a given that you’ll have a regular paid position with Writerful Books. But if you consistently post high-quality reviews for them, they may contact you more frequently. You must be able to provide existing book review examples to apply.
NetGalley
If you’ve ever wanted to be a part of the book-reviewing community, NetGalley is an excellent place to start. NetGalley, to put it simply, is a service that connects book reviewers with publishers and writers. NetGalley allows bloggers, librarians, booksellers, media professionals, and teachers to read books before they are published.
It works in a very straightforward manner. Publishers make digital review copies available on NetGalley for members to request to read, review, and recommend them.
It’s a win-win situation for both the publisher and the reviewer. The publisher is able to discover eager readers who will give their books an honest review. At the same time, the reviewer has access to an extensive library of books.
Other Ways To Get Paid To Read
Not into writing reviews? It’s a good thing that there are other ways to profit from your love of reading. Check out these different routes you could take:
Proofreading
Proofreading could be a great side income for folks who enjoy reading.
Proofreaders are employed by publishing houses, self-published authors, and anyone who writes for the general audience. This applies to both fiction and nonfiction.
Proofreading necessitates a high level of attention to detail. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are other essential skills for proofreaders to have.
Potential clients may ask you to take a test or proofread a sample document for them if you don’t have much expertise in the book publishing industry or samples of your work.
You can work from home, a favorite coffee shop, or any other location with Wi-Fi. There are no regular hours, but deadlines must be met. On gig economy platforms and freelance job boards like Upwork, freelance proofreaders typically charge between $30 and $40 per hour.
Translating
For someone who enjoys reading and is bilingual, translating literary works from one language to another ventures. Books are translated into several languages to assist writers and publishers reach a larger audience and break into new markets.
You’ll need a good mastery of at least two languages to make money translating books and other written works. Two semesters of Spanish in high school will not suffice.
If you grew up in a bilingual environment and have spent your entire life speaking two languages, then it’s worth considering.
To ensure that your translation reads correctly, some knowledge of slang, idioms, technical jargon, and cultural variations is necessary.
Also, please note that finding consistent work can be difficult because many translation jobs for books and other written materials are one-time engagements.
You can set up an Upwork profile and respond to anyone seeking a translator. You can also post gigs on Fiverr and Flexjobs to attract clients, but translation services connect translators with clients.
Many translation services also handle internet content such as blog posts, newsletters, and web pages.
Recording
You can make money narrating audiobooks if you can speak well and have a lovely voice. You’ll be compensated for reading novels from beginning to end. It’s a terrific side hustle for book enthusiasts because there aren’t many starting or recurring fees. Plus, the pay is decent.
Writers don’t want to miss out on better opportunities for visibility and income. The audiobook industry is booming. So no matter how many copies of a book they sell, they can make more money with an audio version.
They’ll frequently employ someone to narrate their books. These audiobooks can be sold on iTunes, Audible, and Amazon.
You don’t need formal vocal training, an acting background, or a beautiful home studio to work as an audiobook narrator. Although voice training and acting experience may be beneficial, they are not required. All you actually need to get started are the following items:
- A good microphone
- A computer
- Headphones
- An audio recording software (like Audacity, which is free and comprehensive)
The income for reading books aloud varies, as it does for other freelance jobs. You might earn $25 for a children’s book or hundreds for a 6-10 hour corporate audiobook as an audiobook narrator. Higher prices are paid to experienced narrators who have earned tons of positive feedback.
Converting Books Into Ebooks
Best-selling fiction authors know how to tell a gripping story. Successful nonfiction authors are excellent at expressing topics in a straightforward manner.
When it comes to making their work ready to sell as an ebook, writers may be lacking in know-how.
Producing ebooks from book manuscripts presents a slew of annoying technological challenges. For example, the most popular ebook reader, the Kindle, does not support the most popular ebook formats.
Many authors would instead hire someone to handle the technical aspects of their digital books than worry about establishing a clickable table of contents or making sure photos match correctly.
This is where you come in. That is if you have the right skillset. You can make money by converting ebooks. Authors concentrate on their writing while you get paid.
You might receive a Word document to convert to popular ebook formats like MOBI for Kindle and EPUB. You’ll also be tasked to check for proper margins, spacing, and graphics. HTML and picture editing skills and knowledge of Word, InDesign, and Calibre are a plus.
The pricing of ebook conversion services varies depending on the author’s needs. Fees for ebook conversion services have ranged from $15 for a short, simple paper to $250 for detailed technical guides or image-heavy pieces.
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Final Thoughts
You can earn money by pursuing your passion for reading. Readers looking for extra money or new employment can find a plethora of options to read while making money.
Consider working for a book publishing company as a proofreader or editor. You may start a second business evaluating books for Amazon writers or reading books aloud for them. If you enjoy reading, you might be able to earn money while doing it.
You might even make it as a prominent book reviewer if you have the knack for it!
