Imagine reading your favorite book, sipping hot coffee and making money at the same time.
Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
Well, it’s totally possible, and plenty of readers are doing it right now!
Yes, you can actually get paid to read, review books and share your thoughts.
Today, I’ll share how you can turn your love for books into cash with legit methods and trusted websites.
Note that some methods offer huge potential and can become a significant source of income, while others won’t necessarily fill your bank account but can still earn you some extra cash.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Can You Really Earn Money Reading Books?
Absolutely! There are tons of ways book lovers earn money:
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Writing book reviews
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Narrating audiobooks
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Proofreading book manuscripts
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Starting book blogs (here’s how to Start a Blog and Make Money From Blogging)
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Becoming a book influencer or podcaster
Earnings vary widely. For instance:
| Opportunity | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Book Reviewer | $5 – $200 per review |
| Audiobook Narrator | $50 – $500 per finished hour |
| Book Proofreader | $15 – $25 per hour |
| Book Influencer/Blogging | Up to $10,000/month |
| Book Club Organizer | Up to $500/month |
Not bad, right? Now, let’s talk about exactly how you can start earning by reading!
How To Get Paid To Read Books – 6 Realistic Ideas!
Here are different ways to make money by reading and reviewing books:
1. Become a Book Reviewer
Book reviewing is straightforward. You read books, write reviews, and get paid! Simple enough?
Great platforms that pay reviewers include:
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Kirkus: $50 per 350-word review.
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Booklist: Pays $15 per review.
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Women’s Review of Books: $100 for longer reviews (700-1200 words).
You’ll need strong writing skills and a keen eye for details. Start building experience with freelance reviews on platforms like Fiverr and Reedsy Discovery.
2. Narrate Audiobooks
If you have a pleasant voice, why not narrate audiobooks on ACX?
ACX connects authors with narrators. You record audiobooks and either get paid upfront or receive royalties.
Earnings can easily reach $50-$500/hour, depending on your skill and experience.
3. Become a Proofreader
Love correcting grammar? Book proofreading is perfect!
Proofreaders polish manuscripts before they get published. All you need is strong grammar skills and attention to detail.
Start offering proofreading services on Fiverr or Upwork. Typical pay ranges from $15 to $25/hour.
4. Start a Profitable Book Blog
If you’re passionate about reading, blogging could be your calling.
Start your book blog (Read our guide on How to Start a Blog) to write reviews, recommendations, and reading tips.
Once your blog grows, monetize it through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Check out this detailed guide on SEO For Bloggers – The Essential Guide to attract traffic faster.
5. Become a Book Influencer
Combine reading with social media, and you have a powerful combination! Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are perfect for showcasing your book recommendations.
Create visually appealing Pins using 15 Pin Templates That Skyrocketed My Pinterest Impressions in 30 Days.
Once you grow your Pinterest account, check out How to make your first $100 on new Pinterest Account for monetization tips.
6. Start Your Own Book Club
Love discussing books? Host a book club online or offline.
Members pay a small fee for organizing discussions, reading recommendations, and resources.
This not only earns you money but builds a community around your passion.
Related : Money-Making Ideas
Want more ways to monetize your hobbies? Check these guides out:
10 Best Websites to Get Paid to Read Books
Now, that you know what are the ways to make money by reading and reviewing books, let’s talk about the websites where you can actually earn money if you don’t want to start your own blog or podcast channel.
1. Kirkus
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Website: Kirkus Reviews
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Profile: Book Reviewer
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Pay Scale: $50 per 350-word review.
Kirkus Reviews is one of the most respected and trusted platforms for book reviews worldwide.
They provide authentic, unbiased reviews of both traditionally published and independently published books.
To become a Kirkus reviewer, submit your application along with writing samples.
Once approved, you’ll regularly receive books matching your genre preferences.
Complete reviews within two weeks and earn $50 for each detailed 350-word review.
2. Booklist
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Website: Booklist Online
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Profile: Book Reviewer
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Pay Scale: $15 per review.
Description:
Booklist primarily offers book reviews to libraries, educators, and book buyers.
They’re always looking for reliable freelance reviewers who can produce concise, informative reviews.
Submit your application along with your writing samples and genre preferences.
You’ll earn $15 per published review, typically around 150-175 words each.
An extra bonus, accepted reviewers get complimentary access to Booklist magazine.
3. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)
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Website: ACX.com
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Profile: Audiobook Narrator
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Pay Scale: Varies, usually $50–$500/hour or royalty share
ACX connects narrators directly with authors and publishers.
If you have a pleasant voice, strong narration skills, and basic recording equipment, sign up and audition to narrate audiobooks.
Once selected, you can negotiate either payment upfront or royalty-based earnings, which could earn you passive income from book sales for years.
Skilled narrators regularly earn between $50–$500 per completed hour.
4. Women’s Review of Books
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Website: Women’s Review of Books
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Profile: Book Reviewer
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Pay Scale: $100 per detailed review (700-1200 words).
Women’s Review of Books publishes thoughtful, feminist-focused book reviews across various genres, including fiction, poetry, memoirs, and graphic novels.
To apply, pitch your review ideas or submit samples via email.
Each accepted detailed review typically ranges between 700-1200 words, earning reviewers around $100 per published piece.
5. U.S. Review of Books
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Website: U.S. Review of Books
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Profile: Book Reviewer
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Pay Scale: $25–$75 per review (based on word count)
U.S. Review of Books features book reviews in its popular monthly newsletter.
As a freelance reviewer, you’ll select books listed on their platform and write detailed reviews, usually between 300-600 words.
Payments range from $25 for shorter reviews to around $75 for longer reviews.
Interested reviewers must submit an application with writing samples and professional references.
6. Instaread
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Website: Instaread
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Profile: Book Summarizer
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Pay Scale: $100 per summary (1000 -1500 words)
Instaread hires talented writers to create engaging summaries of popular books.
Each summary typically ranges from 1000 to 1500 words, capturing key insights clearly and concisely.
Submit your application with writing samples; once selected, you’ll earn a generous $100 for each published summary.
An extra perk: summarizers enjoy free access to Instaread’s premium library.
7. Writerful Books
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Website: Writerful Books
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Profile: Book Reviewer
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Pay Scale: $10–$50 per review
Writerful Books actively supports new and emerging authors by providing honest, high-quality book reviews.
Apply as a reviewer by filling out their form, specifying your preferred genres.
You’ll earn $10–$50 per review, depending on quality and length.
This site emphasizes genuine insights and original opinions—no automated reviews!
8. eBookFairs
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Website: eBookFairs
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Profile: Book Reviewer
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Pay Scale: $10 per 200-word review.
eBookFairs hosts virtual book fairs, spotlighting authors and their work globally.
Their ‘Paid Reader Program’ allows you to earn money by reviewing listed books.
For every 200-word review on books with over 100 pages, you earn $10. Spots are limited, so apply promptly.
You’ll need to initially submit two free reviews, but afterward, you’ll be compensated regularly.
9. Reedsy Discovery
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Website: Reedsy Discovery
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Profile: Book Reviewer
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Pay Scale: Tips-based ($1, $3, $5 per review)
Reedsy Discovery helps authors gain exposure by connecting them with passionate reviewers before their books launch.
Create your reviewer profile, choose books that interest you, and submit quality reviews.
Earnings are tips-based—readers who appreciate your insightful reviews tip you between $1 and $5.
Although earnings can vary, it’s ideal for building a portfolio and credibility as a reviewer.
10. Fiverr
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Website: Fiverr
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Profile: Freelance Proofreader/Reviewer
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Pay Scale: Set your own rates (typically $15-$25/hour)
Fiverr is one of the largest freelance marketplaces globally.
Here, you can offer proofreading or book review services directly to clients.
Create a professional profile outlining your services, rates, and expertise. Clients approach you based on your profile.
Earnings vary widely, but proofreaders typically earn around $15–$25 per hour, while reviewers often charge fixed prices per review.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I really earn substantial money from reading?
Yes, by reviewing, narrating, blogging, and proofreading, you can easily turn reading into a profitable hobby or even a full-time career.
Q2. Does Goodreads or Amazon pay readers directly?
No direct payments, but you can earn indirectly through affiliate marketing and book recommendations.
Q3. How quickly can I start earning money?
You can start almost immediately, especially with platforms like Fiverr and book review websites, though growing a blog or influencer account may take several months.
Final Thoughts – Start Earning By Reading Books!
Getting paid to read is a book lover’s dream come true. Whether it’s reviewing, narrating audiobooks, or starting a profitable book blog, there’s a perfect option for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose your favorite idea, start earning, and enjoy your reading sessions even more!
Got any questions or experiences to share? Leave them below, I’d love to hear from you.
Happy reading (and earning)!