How to make money by reading books? Do you ever wonder how?

If you're a bookworm, this is good news for you, and don't wander further; you're here at the perfect space on the web.

Attention book lovers! This post is for you.

If you love reading and want to generate cash by doing so, there is a way for you to monetize that hobby. On the other hand, if you're serious about making a living by reading books, there's a career path that you can also take on.

So, are you excited?

Without further ado, let's begin!

Read more: Broke Bookworm No More- 10 Smart Ways To Save Money On Books.

How to make money by reading books?

Here are creative ways for you to earn money through reading books:

• Making a book review
• Reading out loud or becoming a voice actor
• Book blogger
• Narrator
• Proofreader
• Editor
• Librarian
• Author

It may come off as a little bit of a stretch. But, would there even be a way of earning money by simply reading? The answer is, “Yes, of course!”

With today's advanced technological innovations, making money can even be at the tip of your fingers, inside your home, or through your mobile phones.

Likewise, the list above is just a few of hundreds, if not, thousands of ways for you to earn money and not just by reading.

Some are for side-hustle or candidates for a full-time career—for example, a librarian or author.

If you love books so much, no wonder it won't be a problem if you would be surrounded by tons of them every day. I would kill for a job such as a librarian! I think I can live forever if I am with books every day, cozily reading. (Okay, enough about me!)

You can also become an author. If you've got fantastic stories you would like to share with the world, self-publishing via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is a good one, especially for beginner authors. Aside from that, you can self-publish for free, take control of your royalty rights and earnings, and set your rate.

How much does a book reviewer get paid?

Essentially, a book reviewer earns an average of $30/hr. Now, this depends, of course, on various factors.

Most book reviewers are, at the same time, freelancers. Hence, they may set their pricing.

On the other hand, some are partners or affiliated with publishers, which may have a fixed pay. And there are independent book reviewers who set their rates and post the review on their blog or website.

For a full-time career such as proofreader or editor, the pay can go as higher as $50/hr.

Can I make money reading books on Youtube?

With the rise of audiobooks, there is a market for aspiring book narrators and voice actors, especially readers. However, if you choose Youtube as your platform, then I'm afraid that would be impossible. Under fair use laws, publicly reading a book would impose an author's copyright infringement, assuming, of course, it's still under copyright protection.

But legit sites exist which will actually pay you to read.

For instance, ACX is a website that will pay you to read aloud (more on this later!) These include scripts, texts, books, manuals, among the few.

Through this, you become a voice-over artist and earn $1000 to READ ALOUD! Even if you're not a professional voice actor, you can sign up and audition for free.

If you are wondering why there is such a demand for this type of skill, it's because most self-published authors hire reviewers for their work. Some big publishers hire proofreaders to go over the final manuscript or a draft to have another pair of eyes refining the texts.

Get paid to read books out loud.

If you love audiobooks or listening to podcasts, the next voice you heard could be you.

These are legit and secure websites that will make you read books aloud and get paid. The initial investment you must acquire here are a quality microphone, a computer or laptop, and a recording space (you can turn your closet into one! it helps minimize annoying sounds)

The Voices

Do you have what it takes to become a voice talent? Voices.com is an international voice-over marketplace that allows you to make money using your vocal cords.

Keep in mind that you will not just read or narrate for a book; the website also offers in-demand voice-over gigs such as recording for TV commercials, radiosport, animations, to name a few.

Once you sign up for an account, you can choose which gigs to accept on the jobs board and can even haggle the price. Depending on the client's budget, you can earn as much as $500 for just a couple of hour's work.

Surepay is their legit and secured payment platform.

Voice Bunny

It's your time to shine! If you have a golden voice, plus you love reading, and of course, making money, sign up for free today and become a voice bunny actor!

What's great in this website is that you can set your pricing.

However, you need to pass their application process test, wherein they review and assess if you qualify for their standards.

ACX

ACX, also known as Audiobook Creation Exchange, is an online platform that allows authors to have their book narrated into audiobooks.

On the other hand, potential narrators like you can audition and earn money.

ACX sells audiobooks on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Its unique feature is that it's entirely dedicated to audiobook narration.

It's free to join and sign up. Think of joining like you're auditioning in a high school theater club, except in here- you are marketing your voice.

Another notable feature of ACX is filtering which book genre you would like to work on. Plus, it has three payment options.

• Fixed– pre-determined payment amount per finished hour
• Royalty shares– you get half of the royalties from book owners
• Royalty shares plus– a combination of the two above

However, the royalty shares and royalty shares plus are usually rare, so be very wise and selective of the books you will narrate. If you are good with what you do, you can earn a lot more.

Take advantage of the platform as it is entirely free to use.

Apps that will pay you to read books

These are apps that can give you free books in exchange for your honest thoughts and review. Besides, these are online sites that are downloadable via mobile phones or tablets.

Goodreads

I'm sure you're all familiar with Goodreads, yes? It is an online site for your latest books and a go-to for book recommendations.

The website is known for its review and rating system, plus you can also buy a book directly from Goodreads. Purchasing books from Goodreads will take you to Amazon or Kindle shop. It has a mobile app too!

Most book reviewers here get a free Advance Reader's Copy or (ARCs) from publishers and independent authors. Therefore, even without actual cash payment for review, Goodreads is your go-to place!

Wattpad

Wattpad is one of the largest global platforms for storytelling. Not only can you read thousands of e-books here, but you can also become an author yourself!

Moreover, Wattpad is available on mobile phones, so that you can review books on convenient portable dashboards.

You can get in here brand collaborations and a possible published author title if you are a reader who also loves to write and aspires to become an author too.

Overall, Wattpad is primarily for writers alike.

Scribd

Available as an app and website, Scribd is a platform that provides thousands of e-books and audiobooks to its readers.

You can apply as an in-house book reviewer or proofreader, and hourly rates vary per expertise.

Through this, you help readers whether to pick the next book or not by giving honest and insightful recommendations.

How to make money by reading books- Get paid to read and review free books online

Many websites pay you to read, plus make a good book review. Some even gave a free book. So although the pay range here is not relatively as high as you would for narrating or doing voice-over, you can earn pretty much decently.

Bonus points, if you're an all-time book lover, nothing feels like receiving a free copy of the book, right? More if it's an arc or a signed copy! Add it to your bookshelf, dear #noshelfcontrol

Kirkus Media

Kirkus Reviews is one of the most prominent and well-known online websites for book reviews. Just look for their spot on the reviews page of your book!

It is also the most trusted book review of Amazon. If you want to become a book reviewer at Kirkus Media, you must submit your application, cv, and writing samples.

Once you passed, you can now contribute genuine reviews for not less than the required 350 words. So for the potential earnings, it is pretty decent and can vary along with the nature and volume of the book.

Moreover, you can choose from a diverse variety of book genres.

Online Book Club

Online Book Review has been in the market for over ten years. Therefore, don't fret because the site is legit and secured.

I've been a member since 2018, but I haven't gotten to experience doing reviews because I was too busy at the time. I was looking for book recommendations and current hot book topics and lists (now, I regret falling behind!)

Today, they have over a million active members. The last time I checked in, the overall website and UI have improved, but it seems challenging to navigate around. There are many links to click and rules to abide by if it's your first time seeing it.

But, since you're probably a beginner, this is an excellent place to be. You will get paid for an average of $5-$60 per review. In other circumstances, authors and publishers gave free arcs for you to keep in exchange for an honest review.

There are zero fees, and what's unique at Online Book Club is that they encourage their reviewers to express whatever their reading journey has been. So whether the book sucks or fabulous, you are not limited to express your opinion into positive only. That is, of course, you have valid arguments as well.

Honesty is highly regarded here.

Women's Review of Books

Well, I hope you've had at least a picture of what WRB is going to be all about.

Essentially, the Women's Review of Books is a publication print that shares reviews for various genres like fiction, mystery, thriller, among the few.

Since 1983, the Women's Review of Books has been the premier feminist book review and remains proudly a print publication that is also a part of Wellesley Centers for Women. It reviews scholarships and fiction, graphic novels, poetry, and memoir usually (but not always) by women.

If you would like to join, you must pass their qualifications, pitch a review via email proposal, and once accepted, and you will get paid $100 per review.

Publisher's Weekly

The Publisher's Weekly is an online magazine catering to international publications and self-published alike.

Aside from that, they regularly review both traditionally published and self-published books. Therefore, that could mean a book review opportunity for you.

However, as of the moment, it closed its application, but you can always check their web page for opening anytime soon.

US Review of Books

The US Review of Books is a US-based contemporary book review publication run by professional reviewers and editors.

As an aspiring reviewer, when a book is posted, you can request to read it and get assigned for exclusive review. For example, in the US Review of Books, all books are welcome, even those denied by publications. Then those reviews are then sent as a daily newsletter to their subscribers.

So, expect a particularly informed opinion and curated professionalism in reviews plus apparent, concise, and brevity. It would be best if you did a review with words anywhere between 250 and 300 words.

Please visit their site for more ideas and sample review formats.

Upwork

In case you're not familiar yet with Upwork, well, it's one of the largest online job marketplaces.

Since you can almost find any work here, there's no doubt that there is a place for book reviewers alike. There are endless possibilities, plus you have the flexibility to work as much as you want as often as you want. You can also see a job post asking for a summary only of a book. The pay range varies since it is freelance work.

However, with regards to the payment scheme, you must coordinate with your client your actual rate or when you want to move outside of the platform (Upwork has a restriction for making payments outside of the platform; you must pay a conversion fee.)

Furthermore, you must charge or accept only an amount that is reasonable to make a living. Remember, Upwork charges a sliding service fee based on each hour and billing with each client you have.

For starters, create your account profile now and start pitching for potential clients.

Fiverr

Another most-visited freelance website is Fiverr. Like Upwork, you can also encounter many job opportunities here, even the simplest or odd ones.

Undoubtedly, you can pitch to clients of different backgrounds and explore which job suits you. To get started, all you have to do is create an account using your email address or Facebook Account.

You can directly contact clients and even negotiate your price. However, to get the most out of Fiverr, be sure to establish a good working relationship with your clients to get back up with good recommendations.

FlexJobs

The website, FlexJobs is also one of the most popular jobs search portals and most reliable one. Not only can you find freelance work here but also home-based ones.

Therefore, if you're looking for a flexible work arrangement, FlexJobs is your go to website.

Think of it as a reliable job portal website suited for your work needs. To get started, create an account and find jobs based on the filters you applied and choose.

Freelancer.com

How to make money by reading books, you may ask? Well, you can also turn it into your freelance side hustle.

At Freelancer.com, your dream of becoming your own boss may come true. Freelancer.com is one of the most trusted platforms for finding remote professionals. Here, you must register and detail your talent and experience. 

After that, you can now choose from thousands of freelance work with skill-based, language-based, latest job posts, and more.

Be mindful of the 10% processing fee the platform charges you for every project assigned.

PeoplePerHour

It is a platform that connects its clients to potential freelancers in just a matter of minutes. According to the site, every application is reviewed and approved by their moderation team, ensuring only the best freelancers are matched to client projects.

If you want to practice writing too, you can offer your writing skills here.

Get paid with FREE BOOKS.

Book Browse

How to make money by reading books? But, what if instead, of cash, you get paid with an actual book? Which would you rather choose?

If your answer is the latter, then Book Browse is the perfect place to be!

For readers, Book Browse helps you find your next great read as they provide an editorial opinion and voice that they can trust and relate to.

That editorial opinion could be you! With their First Impressions program, members can get to read free advanced copies or ARCs of books months ahead of their publication date.

Each month, they offer up to six titles, and it's up to you whether to accept doing a review or interested in reading any; you respond to their members-only newsletter.

Book Browse only has 25 ARC copies of each book on order so, there's a possibility that you may not always get the book that you want. However, if you matched with the book, you only have to review around 50-100 words.

Keep in mind that you are paid with free arcs only and not real cold cash.

Bethany House

If you are a bibliophile, getting free books to read every month seems like an exciting job, isn't it? You wouldn't mind!

Well, Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, the industry’s largest independent Christian book publisher, is one website that will pay you books in exchange for your reviews.

However, most of their books are Christian fiction and non-fiction, so if this is something that might interest you, go ahead and submit an online application form.

Aside from that, they are also looking for reviewers who have:

• A book blog with a strong readership,
• YouTube review channel, 
• Any medium to promote books.

If you join the program, Bethany House will add you to an email newsletter list. To learn more about their book reviewer's guide, you can check out their website.

Chicago Book Review

You have probably seen it somewhere in the “praise and comments” section of a book. The Chicago Book Review or CHIRB is one of the most famous literary sites sharing many book reviews and genre variations.

From graphic novels and memoirs, science fiction and fantasy, poetry, mystery and thriller, young adult, and literary TV and film adaptations, they are expanding their coverage beyond that!

If you’re interested in pitching a review, head over to their FAQ section and be sure to include a short bio and clips to your recent work if you have them. 

Keep in mind that CHIRB sets such high standards for their book reviewers. They don't just go for “I love this book!” and “this book is great!”

Recently, CHIRB is particularly interested in hearing about small press/under-the-radar titles, books by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Midwestern authors; and works in translation.

Aside from that, if you're a writer, you can also send your book for review, plus other marketing and promoting materials.

Moody Press

The Moody Press Publishers also pay their book reviewers in the form of books (that their company publishes) in exchange for honest reviews.

Similar to Bethany Publishers, Moody Press is also concentrated on Christian Books. They even prefer to post the review on your blog site if you have one or on a retailer site such as Amazon.

Once you complete the application form and review it, they will include you in their MP Newsroom. After that, you can select one title at a time to be sent for review.

Now that you have selected your books, Moody Press will send them to you via USPS Media Mail (7-10 days). In signing up for this program, you must commit to providing a review within 60 days upon receiving the physical book copy.

Net Galley

Good news for e-book enthusiasts! If you want access to thousands of digital libraries, there is a site that will pay you e-book copy for your review.

Net Galley is looking for readers of influence that will help create a buzz for new books. If you sign up, you get to read pre-published books primarily.

However, you only get a digital or e-book copy and not a physical ARC. If this is something that will work for you, become a member for free today!

New Pages

For the “Engaged Readers and Creative Writers,” New Pages proclaim itself.

If you like to discover new titles and read books, you can opt for a call for submission and sign up for free. What's interesting about New Pages is that they encourage you to review books you love and open to constructive criticism.

For a book review proposal, you must write a review (300 words max) on the latest or any piece of writing you've read recently and would love to share. They want something short but with substance. Most significantly, they are looking for clear, engaging, and easy yet intelligent opinions.

If you are chosen, you will receive a free book copy, and New Pages can feature your review on their blog.

My Reader Rewards Club

This website lets you earn points that are convertible to get free products such as books!!!

Most significantly, you can earn points for shopping on the Tyndale Publishers and NavPress websites. Moreover, you can earn points for referring friends or taking surveys.

My Reader Rewards Club is a rewards program from Tyndale Publishers and NavPress. 

Amazon Kindle

The Amazon Kindle is more like a device. Yes, it's the perfect complementary device for those who preferred to read e-books or any digital prints. Kindle allows users to access various e-books, newspapers, magazines, among others.

But did you know that you can also read and review Amazon books on your website? Plus, you can also use other platforms to review Amazon books and get the book for free.

You can sign up as an Amazon Affiliate Blog or offer your proofreading services.

Related: 23 Revealed Amazon Hacks That Can Save You Hundreds of $$$

How to become a book reviewer?

Now that you finally knew which websites you can check right away for possible book reviewer jobs, it's time for the ultimate judgment: how could you be a full-blooded book reviewer? So here's what to do:

1. Read, read, read, and read some more!

To come up with a relevant and comprehensive review, you must read abundantly. It would be best if, of course, you love what you read and you love sharing your thoughts about it- whether positive or negative.

If you are familiar with the author's writing style and tone, you could develop with more than just an appreciation or praise for the book facade. Besides, the faster you read, the more books you can make a review means more money and arcs!

2. Start small

When you're just starting, there's a considerable chance that you won't be able to get titles for review yet. More often, it gets challenging to approach huge publications and pitch for a book review.

Hence, you can start small. Why not offer book reviews for free? Or better yet, start building your book blog. This book blog of yours could be your writing portfolio too, which you can use as your writing sample if a client specifically asks for it.

Book review sites and retailers like Goodreads or Amazon can be your stepping point. However, you're lucky if authors themselves ask you for their newest books! Sometimes, I did get experience wherein self-published authors and indie publishers (small press) asked me to review their book in exchange for a free copy.

This is a win-win situation for both parties- you providing insights for their newest work and getting paid while them gaining more exposure and promotion for their biz.

3. Become a master in your field

If you're serious about getting paid to read, you might as well convert it to a professional career. As mentioned earlier, there are profitable full-time jobs that you can make out of getting paid to read.

First, you can become a professional proofreader. There's also a chance to become an editor, narrator, or librarian. Nowadays, you can learn this skill at different skill tutoring websites, not to mention a bunch of free resources online.

You can also choose to specialize, develop your reading and writing skills further, and niche down. If you are an independent book blogger or reviewer, you can set guidelines for which type of books you only accept for reads, dictate your rate, and make your time.

Aside from that, it would help if you join associations or book clubs to meet fellow enthusiasts and share or exchange industry knowledge and referrals with them. Nothing feels like being with your cohort!

4. Act like a Book Reviewer

As a book reviewer, you are more than just a fancy reader. It would be best if you executed neutrality in your tone and critic logically and constructively. Yes, it's a given. You may hate the author and the story for life but share your thoughts why. Don't state that you just get bored in the middle of everything and so on.

Remember, your main job is to assess this piece of writing so that you can help others, whether to read it or not. Thus, you are making an intelligent recommendation so that other people won't have to waste their time. Besides, you are helping the authors and publishers promote their works.

5. Follow guidelines

In the book reviewing industry, it's crucial that you love what you do, which is, reading.

Aside from that, you must follow guidelines set for you and meet your deadlines. Especially if the title is in demand, you may have to render reviews in a given limited time. Therefore, check your dedication and commitment when entering this type of side hustle, or if you like to make a career out of it, a full-time job.

Don't fall into sketchy schemes too. If it requires a registration fee or any shady upfront fee, don't bother. Make sure to establish a good working relationship not to get wasted effort.

Final Thoughts on how to make money by reading

There's a wise word I heard before, which says: “if you do what you love, you won't feel working at all, every day in your life.”

Wouldn't it be nice if you love your job? Besides, your productivity level rises, and you are happier if you thrive in what you do best.

Therefore, if you love reading and want to monetize your hobby or build your career around it, becoming a book reviewer is your one option.

Some only require specific words length for the review or a professional reader. Ultimately, it is to help shape the reader's mind and recommend great reads.

Imagine indulging in one of your favorite pastimes – reading – and getting paid to do so; wouldn't it be the dream?

However, don't forget that this is not some crazy online get-rich-quick scheme. After all, you won't get rich immediately, and you won't be able to leave your day job (unless you pursue it as a career.)

Which way on how to make money by reading books are you most interested in?