Do you love reading? What if I told you that your favorite hobby could earn you some extra cash? It’s true! Many people don’t know this, but there are real ways to get paid to read books.
Some sites pay you to read books out loud. Others want you to share what you think about the books you read. Book reading is an actual job, and many let you work from your own home.
It doesn’t matter what kind of books you like – mysteries, love stories, real-life tales, or made-up adventures. There’s a chance to earn money reading them all.
When I first heard about this, I thought it sounded too good to believe. That’s why I dug deeper to find out the truth. In this article, I’ll show you how to turn your love for books into cash. I’ll point you to trustworthy websites that pay their users to read books.
18 Best Sites To Get Paid To Read Books
Here are 20 legit best websites to get paid to read books. You can make money by reading books on these sites. Let’s look at every site in detail.
1. Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews, a renowned magazine since 1933, hires freelance book reviewers for its indie section.
As a freelancer, you’ll review self-published books based on your reading preferences. You are required to write concise, well-crafted reviews of about 350 words within a two-week deadline.
Payment for these reviews is $50, but it can increase to $75 if your writing is exceptional. Picture book reviews, typically 250 words long, earn $40. While the pay isn’t particularly high, you get the opportunity to read books for free and build your writing portfolio, making it a valuable experience for book lovers and aspiring writers alike.
Additionally, being associated with a prestigious publication like Kirkus Reviews can enhance your credibility and open up further opportunities in the literary world.
2. Reedsy
Reedsy offers readers a chance to earn money through Reedsy Discovery, their book discovery platform.
On Reedsy Discovery, readers can browse through new indie books, select ones they want to read and review and earn tips from $1 to $5 per review. This platform is perfect for those who enjoy discovering new books and sharing their insights with a wider audience.
The amount earned varies, but dedicated reviewers can build a following and increase their earnings over time. Reedsy Discovery provides a unique way for book lovers to monetize their hobby while helping indie authors gain visibility and reach new readers.
3. OnlineBookClub.org
OnlineBookClub.org offers a fantastic opportunity for book enthusiasts to get paid for reading and reviewing books.
As a reviewer, you can select from a range of books provided for free. After your first approved review, you become eligible for payments ranging from $5 to $60, based on the book and the quality of your review.
The key to success is providing honest, thoughtful reviews, whether positive or negative. This approach ensures helpful feedback for other readers and maintains the platform’s integrity. To get started, create an account, browse available books, and submit your review for approval.
4. Booklist
Booklist, a respected publication for libraries and schools, pays $15 per review. Reviewers typically write 2-3 reviews per month and receive a subscription to Booklist in print and online.
To become a Booklist reviewer, you need to be familiar with both books and libraries, as the reviews are aimed at helping librarians make purchasing decisions. You’ll start as an “in-training” reviewer, where an editor will work with you to ensure you understand the publication’s style and expectations.
Once you’ve established yourself, you can continue to write reviews and potentially pitch other types of content, such as author profiles or Q&As. This position offers a steady way to earn money while contributing to a well-respected publication in the literary community.
5. Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, a leading magazine in the book industry, hires freelance reviewers to cover various genres, including fiction, self-help, children’s books, and memoirs.
To apply, you need to send your resume and a 200-word sample review of a recently published book.
Once accepted, you can choose how many books you want to review each month and will be paid $25 per review. If a particular book doesn’t appeal to you, you have the option to decline it.
This flexibility allows you to manage your workload and focus on books that genuinely interest you. Being associated with Publishers Weekly not only provides financial compensation but also adds significant credibility to your portfolio.
6. Upwork
Upwork provides a platform where you can offer services like book summarization, review writing, and editing. Identify your strengths and skills related to book reading and summarization, and highlight these on your profile to attract clients.
You can set your rates based on your expertise and the complexity of the task, either per page or per hour. Additionally, you can offer extra services such as research, formatting, or manuscript editing to enhance your appeal.
By marketing yourself effectively and maintaining competitive rates, you can build a steady stream of clients looking for quality book-related services.
Upwork’s vast client base allows you to connect with authors, publishers, and other book enthusiasts, providing numerous opportunities to earn money while doing what you love.
7. The US Review of Books
The US Review of Books is another platform that allows reviewers to earn between $25 and $75 per review. Reviews usually range from 250 to 600 words, with longer reviews earning more.
On average, reviewers read and review about 8 to 10 books a month, making between $200 and $750 monthly. This platform is ideal for avid readers who can consistently produce high-quality reviews.
It provides a substantial supplemental income for those who are passionate about reading and sharing their opinions on various books. The platform values thorough and insightful feedback, making it essential for reviewers to be honest and detailed in their evaluations.
Related – How To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews?
8. BookBrowse
BookBrowse, a U.S.-based book club website, offers a chance to get paid for writing 300-word reviews.
Reviewers typically write one review a month, earning modest payments and receiving a byline, which can be a great way to build your writing portfolio. To become a paid reviewer, you need to complete an application form and submit some sample reviews.
This platform is perfect for those who enjoy reading and writing about books and are looking for a way to earn extra income from their passion.
BookBrowse’s community of book lovers and the opportunity to engage with new literature make it an enriching experience for any avid reader.
9. Any Subject Books
Any Subject Books allows reviewers to choose from a wide range of genres and write reviews in either video or text formats.
The site pays between $5 and $13 per review based on the type and quality of the review. Additionally, the site features a leaderboard that highlights top reviewers, potentially increasing their visibility and earnings.
This platform is ideal for those who enjoy expressing their opinions creatively and are looking for a flexible way to earn money. Whether you prefer written reviews or creating engaging video content, Any Subject Books offers a versatile way to get paid for your literary insights.
10. The Women’s Review
The Women’s Review of Books offers a substantial $100 per review. They seek informed, professional opinions and require applicants to submit a resume, sample work, and references.
Reviews are published “in the service of action and consciousness,” focusing on serious and thoughtful critiques.
Most contributors are experienced academics, journalists, or book reviewers, making this platform ideal for those with a background in literature or related fields. This opportunity allows you to contribute to a respected publication while earning a significant amount for each review.
11. eBookFairs
eBookFairs pays for 200-word reviews. This platform helps authors grow their audience by hosting virtual book fairs where they can promote their books.
As a paid book reviewer, you will be assigned books to read and review. This is a great opportunity for book lovers who enjoy reading and sharing their opinions.
By joining eBookFairs, you can earn money while doing something you love. The platform’s focus on promoting new authors and their works makes it an exciting place for readers to discover fresh voices in literature.
12. New Pages
New Pages offers a Paid Book Reader program, which allows you to earn money by writing short reviews of 100-200 words.
The site is particularly interested in reviews of books from small presses or unknown magazines. This could be a great opportunity for those who enjoy reading niche publications and want to support independent authors.
Writing for New Pages not only provides a source of income but also allows you to engage with a community of literary enthusiasts who appreciate lesser-known works.
13. Instaread
Instaread pays $100 for summaries of nonfiction books, typically ranging from 1000 to 1500 words.
To get started, follow Instaread’s recommended Style Guide, which provides guidelines for writing summaries. You can also download the Instaread app to get a feel for the format and style they are looking for.
Once you understand the style and format, you can submit your summaries for review. Instaread will review your work and pay you $100 for each approved summary.
This is a great opportunity for those who have a strong background in nonfiction and enjoy condensing complex ideas into concise, readable summaries.
14. Writerful
Writerful Books seeks passionate readers to review books in their favorite genres. Payment for each review varies from $10 to $50, depending on the level of detail and quality of the review.
If you publish high-quality reviews consistently, you can also receive a $100 Amazon gift card. Writerful Books is an author services company that provides various services for indie authors, and they publish book reviews on their websites.
This platform is ideal for avid readers who want to share their insights and earn money while helping indie authors gain visibility. By becoming a reviewer for Writerful Books, you can combine your love for reading with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the literary community.
Other Ways To Make Money By Reading Books
15. Start a Book Review Blog
Starting a book review blog can be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor.
One effective method to earn money from a book review blog is through affiliate marketing. By adding affiliate links to books, e-readers, or other book-related products in your reviews, you can earn commissions when readers purchase through your links. Programs like Amazon Associates and Bookshop.org are popular choices for book bloggers.
Advertising is another way to monetize your blog. Once you attract a steady stream of visitors, you can join ad networks like Google AdSense, Mediavine, or AdThrive. These networks place ads on your site and pay you based on the number of impressions or clicks.
Selling your own products is also a viable option. You can create and sell e-books, and merchandise, or offer book-related services such as editing, proofreading, or organizing book tours. These additional revenue streams can enhance your income and make your book blog even more successful.
16. ACX
Audiobook platforms like ACX open doors for book lovers to transform their reading hobby into a lucrative venture. As a narrator or producer, you can bring stories to life while earning money from the comfort of your own space.
Imagine immersing yourself in captivating tales and receiving compensation for every word you speak. By lending your voice to authors’ works, you breathe life into their narratives and connect with listeners worldwide. Your earnings grow as more people discover and purchase the audiobooks you’ve narrated.
The journey doesn’t stop at narration. You can also become a literary matchmaker by introducing Audible members to your recorded gems. Each successful referral through the Bounty program adds to your income, rewarding you for spreading the joy of reading.
17. Beta Reading
As a beta reader, you can get compensated for sharing your thoughts on unpublished books, giving you a sneak peek into upcoming releases. Writers value fresh perspectives and are often ready to invest in constructive feedback, turning your love for books into a rewarding side hustle.
This literary gig allows you to immerse yourself in diverse genres, from gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances, all while pocketing some cash. By offering your insights, you’ll help shape stories before they hit the shelves, playing a crucial role in the publishing process. Your keen eye for detail and honest opinions can polish rough drafts into polished gems.
Embrace this chance to become a literary taste-maker, where your critiques and praises carry weight. As you navigate through plots, characters, and writing styles, you’ll not only satisfy your bookworm cravings but also develop a deeper understanding of storytelling.
18. Book Influencer
Book enthusiasts can now transform their love for reading into a rewarding venture by embracing the role of a literary tastemaker. Harness the power of social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, or launch your own book blog to share captivating reviews and enticing recommendations with fellow bookworms.
By partnering with online bookstores as an affiliate, such as Amazon’s Associates program, you can reap financial rewards for every purchase made through your unique links. Your thoughtful insights and engaging content will not only foster a community of avid readers but also pave the way for a steady stream of income.
As your audience grows, so does your potential to monetize your literary pursuits. Embrace this opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse genres, from gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances, all while cultivating a lucrative side hustle.
With dedication and creativity, you can turn the pages of your favorite novels into a flourishing source of revenue, proving that bibliophiles can indeed get paid to devour books.
FAQs About Getting Paid To Read Books
Can I Get Paid To Read Books?
Yes, you can get paid to read books! Some ways to do this include becoming a critique partner, a professional reviewer, a sensitivity reader, or an audiobook reader.
How Much Can I Earn From Reading Books?
Earnings vary widely depending on the platform and the nature of the work. You might earn anywhere from $5 to $60 per book review. Experienced reviewers or those working with established publishers may earn more.
Are There Any Platforms That Offer Free Books In Exchange For Reviews?
Yes, some platforms offer free books instead of monetary compensation. NetGalley, Goodreads, and some book publisher programs provide free copies to readers who agree to review them.
Can I Choose The Books I Want To Read?
Often, you can select from a list of available books, but some platforms may assign books based on their needs. It’s best to read the terms and conditions of each platform to understand their policies.
Are There Deadlines For Reading and Reviewing Books?
Yes, most platforms and publishers set deadlines to ensure timely feedback and reviews. These deadlines can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the length and complexity of the book.
Is It Possible To Make a Full-time Income From Reading Books?
While making a full-time income solely from reading books can be challenging, it is possible by diversifying your income streams. Combine book reviewing with other related activities such as freelance writing, editing, blogging, and social media promotion.
Final Thoughts
Reading books can be more than just fun—it can also put some extra cash in your pocket. Some of the above methods are easier than others, and the money you make might be small at first.
We’ve looked at many ways to get paid to read books that book lovers can use to turn their passion into cash. Whether you like sharing your thoughts on books, reading out loud, or helping others understand books in different languages, there’s something for everyone.
The best part is that you don’t need to stick to one type of book. You can explore stories, real-life tales, poems, or even books about far-off places. Some jobs might have you reading famous books, while others let you discover new writers.
Brett is a tech enthusiast with a deep curiosity for exploring digital tools, apps, and gadgets that simplify everyday life. This passion led him to start his blog, where he shares in-depth reviews, helpful guides, and honest recommendations about the best apps and tech solutions available today.