Do you want to learn about the best side hustles for book lovers?
I read 70 books last year and six in the past week, so reading is a genuine passion for me. If you love books the way I do, you might be interested in turning that passion into extra income. Below I share practical, realistic ways to earn money from reading, writing, and working with books.
In this article you’ll find:
- Practical ways book lovers can make money
- Easy side hustles to start quickly
- Realistic earning expectations for each option
If your goal is to earn side income—or eventually turn reading into a full-time pursuit—this guide will show you many flexible and creative paths to get there.
Best Side Hustles for Book Lovers
Here’s a curated list of the best side hustles for people who love books.
1. Start a book blog
Running a book blog is a satisfying side hustle if you enjoy writing about books, sharing recommendations, or curating reading lists. Blogs can be monetized through affiliate programs, display ads, sponsored posts, and by selling digital products like reading trackers, printable bookmarks, book club guides, or reading journals.
Affiliate links to books you review or recommend are a common revenue stream. Over time, a well-targeted blog with consistent content and audience growth can become a reliable income source—part-time or full-time depending on effort and strategy.
2. Work at a library
Library jobs are ideal for book lovers who also enjoy helping people. Roles range from entry-level clerks and program assistants to events coordinators and, for those with advanced degrees, librarians. Libraries offer a variety of positions that connect you with your community and with books in a meaningful way.
3. Sell book-themed printables
Design and sell printable reading trackers, reading challenges, bookmarks, or planner pages. Printables are low-cost to create and can generate passive income once listed on platforms like Etsy. Because they’re downloadable, you create them once and sell them repeatedly—making this a scalable, low-overhead side hustle.
4. Sell bookish merchandise
Print-on-demand merchandise—mugs, shirts, tote bags, stickers with bookish sayings—offers a fun creative outlet and income potential. You don’t need to hold inventory: print-on-demand platforms produce items when ordered. The challenge is marketing and building an audience to drive sales.
5. Proofreader
Proofreading pays you to read carefully and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors in manuscripts, articles, and other texts. No formal degree is required—attention to detail, a solid grasp of language rules, and training can get you started. Freelance marketplaces are common places to find work, and happy clients often lead to referrals.
6. Sell short stories
If you write fiction, you can sell short stories to magazines and online outlets that pay for submissions, or self-publish on platforms like Amazon. Payments range widely depending on the outlet and genre, and digital sales provide another route to monetize your writing.
7. Make bookmarks
Handmade or designed bookmarks make great, low-cost products to sell. Craft techniques like crochet, cross-stitch, or illustrated/printed designs can appeal to different readers. Add quotes, seasonal themes, or genre-specific art to stand out.
8. Sell used books
Reselling used books is an accessible side hustle. Source inventory from your own collection, thrift stores, library sales, or local marketplaces, and list books on platforms like eBay, Amazon, Mercari, or local apps. High-quality photos and competitive pricing help books move faster. Genres like romance, fantasy, self-help, and recent textbooks often sell well.
9. Write romance novels
Romance remains one of the most lucrative self-publishing genres. Writing novels or serial stories and publishing on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing can generate royalties with each sale. Many authors succeed by niching into specific subgenres such as small-town romance, enemies-to-lovers, or fantasy romance.
10. Become a book reviewer
Book reviewers write honest critiques for blogs, magazines, or their own channels. Some outlets pay reviewers; others provide free advance copies in exchange for reviews. Reviewers can also earn through affiliate links and sponsored posts once they build an audience.
11. Narrate audiobooks
If you have a clear, engaging voice, audiobook narration can be a rewarding path. Beginners often start on platforms where authors and producers post auditions. Good pacing, pronunciation, and a quiet recording setup are key. As you gain experience, you can command higher rates and larger projects.
12. Host a paid book club
Running a paid book club—virtual or in-person—lets you earn while creating community. Charge membership for guided discussions, reading guides, bonus materials, or live Q&A sessions. Offer consistent value so members renew and spread the word.
13. Virtual assistant for an author
Authors often need help with administrative tasks, newsletter management, social media, event coordination, and customer communications. If you prefer behind-the-scenes work, serving as an author’s virtual assistant can be flexible and varied work that leverages your love of books.
14. Write your own book
Writing and self-publishing a book is a longer-term path but can be highly rewarding financially and creatively. Self-publishing offers royalties on digital, print, and audiobook formats, and authors can build passive income over time.
15. Design book covers
If you enjoy visual design, creating book covers and illustrations for authors is in high demand. Tools like Canva, Procreate, or Adobe Illustrator let you produce custom covers or premade templates. Niching by genre helps you attract the right clients and build a portfolio that supports higher rates over time.
16. Work at a bookstore
Bookstore work combines customer service with a love of books. Typical duties include shelving, customer recommendations, organizing events, and running the register. Many bookstores offer staff discounts and early access to new titles, and the role provides a direct connection to a community of readers.
17. Start a book-themed Instagram account
Share reviews, shelfies, reading challenges, and themed photos to grow a book-focused social media audience. With consistent content and engagement, you can monetize through affiliate links, sponsored posts, brand collaborations, or selling your own products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about book-focused side hustles.
Can you really make money as a book lover?
Yes. Earnings vary widely—from receiving free books to several thousand dollars a month—depending on the chosen hustle, experience level, time invested, and how effectively you market your services or products.
What jobs can I do if I love books?
Options include library or bookstore roles, freelancing as a proofreader or cover designer, selling bookish products, writing, narration, and more. Many roles don’t require formal degrees and can start as part-time side hustles.
What’s the easiest side hustle for book lovers to start?
Easy entry points include selling used books, making bookmarks, creating printables, or taking an entry-level library or bookstore job. These require minimal startup costs and can be scaled over time.
Do I need a degree in English or literature?
No. Most of these side hustles don’t require a degree. A librarian role typically requires a graduate degree, but many library and bookstore positions, and freelance gigs, are open to anyone with relevant skills and enthusiasm.
How much money can I realistically make?
Earnings depend on the hustle. Proofreading can start around $20–$30 per hour, while blogging, self-publishing, or building a successful print-on-demand shop can increase income substantially over time. Choose something you enjoy to sustain effort while income grows.
Can I start a book side hustle with no money?
Yes. Selling books you already own, applying for library or bookstore jobs, becoming a virtual assistant, or offering proofreading services all require little to no upfront investment.
17 Best Side Hustles for Book Lovers – Summary
There are many ways to turn a love of books into income, whether you prefer hands-on work in stores and libraries, creative projects like writing or design, or online ventures like blogging, printables, and social media. Pick an option that fits your skills and schedule, start small, and scale as you learn and grow.
With patience and consistent effort, bookish side hustles can be both enjoyable and profitable. Which one will you try first?
Recommended reading:
- 13 Ways To Get Free Books Online And Sent To You
- 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures