Want to learn how to get paid to read books?
Believe it or not, you can earn money doing something you likely already love: reading. Whether you stay up late finishing the last chapters, curl up on the couch with a new title, or listen to audiobooks constantly, there are real and legitimate ways to be paid for reading.
From reviewing books and narrating audiobooks to proofreading, translating, or working in publishing, many positions let you work from home and set flexible schedules. Some people even make full-time careers out of reading-related roles, while others use these opportunities to supplement their income.
This article explains proven ways to get paid to read books, highlights legitimate sites and job types, and answers common questions about turning your love of reading into earnings.
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16 Legitimate Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
Yes, there are real jobs and side hustles that pay you to read. Below are 16 practical routes you can pursue.
Best Sites To Get Paid To Review Books Online
Several websites pay people to review books. Compensation varies—some offer cash via PayPal or bank transfer, others provide free books plus payment for reviews. Publishers and independent authors frequently seek honest, thorough reviews to help market their work, so objective feedback is what these platforms want, not just praise.
Becoming a book reviewer or writing concise book summaries can be an accessible way to start making money from reading. Some platforms require only a signup, while others ask for a resume, writing samples, or references. Although reviewing books rarely makes you rich, it’s a pleasant side income for avid readers.
Below are popular places to find book review opportunities:
Proofread Anywhere
This free workshop explains how to become a proofreader and covers signs that proofreading could fit your skills and schedule.
Websites to check out for book review roles:
1. Online Book Club
Online Book Club offers free books in exchange for reviews, and reviewers may qualify for paid review opportunities after the first review. Payments range roughly from $5 to $60 per review, and the site claims reviewers can earn a few hundred dollars per month.
2. Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus hires reviewers for its Indie section and accepts reviews in English and Spanish. Reviews are typically around 350 words and due two weeks after assignment. Kirkus covers many genres and reviews thousands of books each year.
3. UpWork
On UpWork, you create a profile and list yourself as a book reviewer. Clients and indie authors can hire you directly; you set your rates and choose assignments. Freelance reviewers on UpWork charge widely varying rates depending on experience.
4. The US Review of Books
The US Review of Books commissions freelance reviewers to write concise, insightful summaries (roughly 250–300 words). Applicants typically submit a resume, writing samples, and references.
5. Reedsy
Reedsy Discovery lets reviewers read unreleased titles and earn tips from readers who appreciate their reviews. Tips are small (often $1–$5), but the platform gives access to many new works.
6. Booklist
Booklist seeks short reviews (about 150–175 words) that summarize plot and recommend an audience. Booklist pays around $15 per published review and serves libraries and librarians selecting titles to purchase.
7. BookBrowse
BookBrowse accepts reviewer applications across genres—YA, nonfiction, adult fiction, graphic novels—and typically assigns about one review per month to contributors.
8. Women’s Review of Books
This print publication commissions reviews of books and poetry and pays contributors for their work.
9. Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly accepts submitted reviews and is a longstanding weekly magazine covering the publishing industry.
10. New Pages
New Pages publishes short, substantive reviews (generally up to 200 words) and covers books and literary magazines.
Other Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
Beyond book reviews, many related roles let you monetize reading skills. Below are additional jobs and side hustles to consider.
11. Become a book proofreader
Proofreaders read manuscripts before publication to correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Proofreading is essential to the publishing process, and opportunities range from self-published authors to large publishers. Remote proofreading jobs require attention to detail, a reliable computer, and a good eye for language.
Proofreading can be a lucrative and flexible career for readers who enjoy precision and editing. Many courses and free resources explain how to start and build a proofreading business.
12. Read aloud for audiobooks
Audiobook narration is a thriving field. Voice actors and narrators record audiobooks, commercials, documentaries, and more. Platforms and marketplaces connect narrators with authors and publishers. Compensation structures vary: you can charge a per-hour rate for recording or accept royalty-sharing agreements. Narration can pay well per project, especially for experienced voices.
Many narrators start by building a demo, investing in basic recording equipment, and auditioning for projects. Training or coaching can speed up your path to paid work.
13. Start a book review blog and earn affiliate income
Running a book blog allows you to review titles you love, build an audience, and monetize with affiliate links to stores like Amazon or other retailers. Affiliate marketing pays commissions when readers buy through your special links. Over time a successful blog can generate substantial income through affiliate sales, ads, sponsorships, and digital products.
Blogging gives you full control over what you read and review, and you can combine written reviews with social platforms like Instagram or YouTube to grow your reach.
14. Get paid to translate books
If you’re fluent in more than one language, translating books or editing translated manuscripts can be a profitable niche. Opportunities exist on freelance marketplaces and specialized platforms; some sites connect translators directly with authors. Translators may work per project, per word, or on a royalty-sharing basis for certain contracts.
15. Get paid to write books
Writing and self-publishing your own book is another way to monetize your passion for reading. Authors often spend significant time revising and rereading their own work, which counts as reading for pay. Successful self-published authors have earned strong passive income from ebooks, short novels, and series—especially in popular genres like romance and mystery.
16. Pursue a full-time career in publishing
Publishing offers many professional roles that require reading and evaluating books, often with a degree or industry experience. Typical jobs include editor, copy editor, literary agent, publicist, marketing manager, production manager, and sales representative. These careers usually involve in-depth reading and critical analysis as part of everyday responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Get Paid To Read Books
Here are answers to common questions about earning money through reading.
Can I earn money by reading books?
Yes. Roles include book reviewer, proofreader, narrator, translator, author, and many publishing positions. Each has different pay levels and commitment requirements.
Can you get paid to read books aloud?
Absolutely. Audiobook narration platforms and marketplaces connect narrators with authors. You can be paid per project or share royalties with the rights holder.
How much do book readers get paid?
Pay varies widely. Some review platforms pay a few dollars per review, while audiobook narration, proofreading, professional editing, or full-time publishing roles can range from hundreds to thousands per project or month. Your skills, experience, and the type of work determine earnings.
How can I make $200 from reading books?
Combining activities—such as reviewing paid titles, proofreading, narrating short projects, or monetizing a blog—can help you reach $200 per month. The exact mix depends on time availability and the rates you can command.
Can you make a living reading books?
Yes, some people do. Full-time incomes usually come from a combination of higher-paying roles like professional narration, editing, publishing jobs, translation, or successful self-publishing. Other reading jobs may be better suited as part-time work or side income.
Does Amazon or Audible pay you to read books?
Yes. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is Audible’s marketplace where authors and publishers hire narrators. On ACX you create a profile, upload voice samples, audition for projects, and choose payment terms—either a per-hour/project rate or a royalty-share agreement.
How much do you get paid for reading audiobooks?
Payments depend on the narrator’s rate, the book’s length, and chosen payment structure; earnings can range from modest sums to several thousand dollars per book for experienced narrators.
Can I read books on YouTube and get paid?
Yes. You can review books on YouTube, include affiliate links to recommended titles, and monetize with ads or sponsorships once your channel meets platform requirements. Combine video reviews with links to retailers to create multiple income streams.
What jobs pay you to read books?
Examples include:
- Book reviewer
- Proofreader
- Narrator/voice actor
- Translator
- Author
- Editor or copy editor
- Literary agent
- Publicist or marketing roles
- Production or contract manager
Roles exist across publishing houses, retailers, freelancers, and independent platforms.
How To Get Paid To Read Books – Summary
There are many ways for book lovers to earn money: reviewing titles, narrating audiobooks, proofreading and editing, translating, writing and self-publishing, blogging with affiliate links, or pursuing a career in publishing. Which path is best depends on your skills, time commitment, and goals. Whether you want a side hustle or a full-time career, reading can be turned into a sustainable source of income.
Recommended reading:
- 17 Best Side Hustles for Book Lovers
- How To Get Paid To Review Books (14 Sites That Actually Pay)
- 13 Ways To Get Free Books Online and Sent to You