17 Clever Ways To Get Paid To Read Books Online

Last Updated June 23, 2024 by Davina Kelly

Do you want to learn how to get paid to read books online? 

There is no better feeling than curling up on the sofa and reading a good book.

Now, thanks to the internet, there are many ways to turn your love for reading into a profitable endeavour.

Whether you’re an avid reader looking to make some extra money or seeking a full-time job in the publishing world you can get paid to read books.

For example, you can utilise Amazon ACX and get paid to read or start a side hustle that pays you to read. 

Books have the power to transform your life and I am speaking from personal experience.

I have read many personal growth books which have shifted my mindset and exposed me to new ways of thinking. 

Now, I have a blog where I can share my thoughts and summaries on my favourite books, and earn money from it. And you can do the same.

In this post, you’re going to learn how to get paid to read books online along with ways to get paid to read books aloud. 

After reading this post, you’ll have many ideas to get paid to read and turn your hobby into a profitable venture.

This post is all about how to get paid to read books online.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we will receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Can You Get Paid To Read Books?

In short, yes you absolutely can. There are many websites, companies and people who will pay you to read books online. You can also get paid to read books aloud on platforms like Amazon ACX (I will share more details later in the post).

Book lovers have been getting paid to share their reviews, summaries and recommendations for books on the side. The good news is that you can do that too.

You’ll have to put in some time and effort to find these opportunities as with any job. Nothing is handed to you. 

The amount you make will vary depending on the company, but you can get paid anywhere from $15 to $100 per book review. This will allow avid readers like yourself to turn their passion into a source of income. 

Looking for a relaxed way to earn some extra cash in your spare time?

Try Survey Junkie: Companies are always looking for feedback on their products and services so you can make money by completing surveys.

You can share your opinion and get paid cash via Paypal or receive free gift cards to shop at places like Amazon.

You can sign up for Survey Junkie FREE here.

17 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books Online:

1. Booklist Publications

Booklist is part of the American Library Association and provides reviews for librarians. They are looking for freelance writers to write short book reviews of up to 175 words. You can make between $12 – $15 per review. 

It’s important that you’re familiar with Booklist publications outlets which include Booklist magazine, the quarterly Book Links and The Booklist Reader blog. Spend some time researching and understanding their writing style to ensure your work aligns with their standards. 

Read here to learn more about how to apply and be prepared to submit a few of your writing samples.

2. Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews is a prestigious well-known publication in the world of book reviews and a highly respected source. If you’ve read a book blurb on Amazon before purchasing a book you’ve likely witnessed their great work. 

They are always on the lookout for talented reviewers to join their team. They’re specifically looking for people who can review English and Spanish language Indie books. 

They look for reviewers who have experience, a keen eye and can write about a 350-word review in a two-week turnaround. If you’re fluent in English and Spanish this is a great opportunity to gain recognition from a respected publication. 

3. Online Book Club

Online Book Club is a great place to start if you want to get paid to read books online. With this platform, you’ll get a free copy of the book and get paid for your review. You can make anywhere from $5 to $60 for each book review. 

The signup process is pretty straightforward, all you need to do is submit your email here. After signing up, you can choose from a list of available books to review. They have a wide range of genres to choose from so you’ll definitely find one to match your interests. 

 This platform also offers a great community so you can join discussions and connect with other readers. 

4. Upwork

You’re probably already familiar with Upwork, it’s one of the biggest marketplaces for freelancers and has clients in every industry. So it’s no surprise that you can utilise the platform to find freelance book review jobs. 

To get started create your profile and list yourself as a book reviewer. The competition will be high so I recommend choosing a specific genre to review. This will make it easier for clients and authors in your niche to find you. 

As a freelance book reviewer on Upwork, you have the freedom to set your own rates and decide which projects you want to work on. This allows you to tailor your jobs to fit your interests and make money while doing something you enjoy. 

5. US Review Of Books

The US Review of Books hires freelancers to write reviews that range from 250 – 300 words for books across various genres. 

The process is simple, when a book is posted you can request to read it and get assigned. Your reviews need to be professional and contain informed opinions about the book. 

To start earning money for your reviews you need to email a copy of your resume, sample work and two professional references. 

6. Women’s Review of Books

Women’s Review of Books is a well-known and respected publication that’s part of Wellesley Centres for Women. This publication has been around for many years and is looking for more book reviewers to join their force. 

They are looking for experienced book reviewers so if you’re an academic or experienced writer this is a great opportunity for you. In return, you’ll be paid $100 per review. 

To be considered send them an email with a proposal.

7. Reedsy Discovery

Reedsy is a platform that allows book reviewers to read self-published books before anyone else. You can browse through hundreds of different books before they’re published, review them and make money. 

Readers will tip you for your review as a token of appreciation. These tips can be $1, $3 or $5. The signup process is simple, you just need to complete this form. 

8. eBookFairs

eBookFairs is an online platform dedicated to helping authors grow their platforms. They also have a paid book reader program where they connect authors with readers interested in reading and reviewing their books.  

Each review must be at least 250 words and provide helpful feedback for the author. You also need to allow 3 days between reviews submitted. Read here to learn more about their guidelines. 

Your pay will vary depending on the book you review, but it’s an easy way to get paid to read books online. 

9. Instaread

If you don’t enjoy critiquing books Instaread may be the right option for you. Instaread offers opportunities to write summaries and insights on non-fiction books. 

They require more writing than your average book review. Each summary should be around 1,000 – 1,500 words. However, you will make $100 per review. To get started, download the Instaread app and follow the instructions.  

10. Book Browse

With BookBrowse you can get paid to review different types of books such as fiction, non-fiction and books for young adults. 

This platform allows reviewers to write one review a month along with a “beyond the book” article. 

Other Ways To Get Paid To Read Books Online:

11. Read Books For Amazon ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

Amazon is the number one online marketplace for everything you need. Did you know that you can also utilise the platform to get paid to read books aloud?

You can get paid to read books online through Amazon ACX, which is part of Audible, a subsidiary of Amazon. 

ACX is an all-in-one marketplace that connects authors and publishers with narrators and producers. If you’re just getting started as an audiobook narrator this is a great place to start. 

You can create your profile, upload some audio samples and get hired to narrate books. If you have any additional skills ensure you include them in your profile. 

For example, if you’re fluent in Spanish include a sample to show your range. This will help you stand out and appeal to more clients.

12. Start a Book Review Blog

If you’re an avid book reader like myself you probably have thoughts about the books you’ve read. Why not start a book review blog and share your reviews? 

This is one of the best ways to get paid to read books online. You can build a community of like-minded people, engage in book discussions and express your opinions. 

To get started you’ll need to create your blog and write posts consistently. You can write posts sharing your honest reviews on popular books and answer questions readers will want to know. 

Once you’ve started to get readers to your blog you can make money through ads, affiliate marketing and sponsorships. Affiliate marketing will probably be the biggest money maker on your book review blog. 

The way affiliate marketing works is you recommend products and make a commission when someone buys through your link. So if you join Amazon’s affiliate program and write a Colleen Hoover book review, you’ll make money when someone uses your link to purchase the book. 

If this sounds like a great idea and you’re ready to start your book review blog I highly recommend this affordable eBook The Treasure Map To Blogging Success In 30 Days. It will give you a profitable roadmap to set your blog up the right way and avoid making costly mistakes.

13. Review Books On Social Media

If you’re not camera shy you can get paid to read books online by reviewing books on social media. You can create videos sharing your book reviews, summaries, current reads and book recommendations.  

Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer great opportunities to create book content. They have communities like “BookTok” and “BookTube” so you can connect with readers and monetise your passion for reading. 

If you create content consistently you can build an audience and earn money through affiliate marketing, brand deals, ads and sponsorships. 

14. Become a Book Proofreader

Proofreading is another way to get paid to read books online. As a proofreader, you can get paid to read books and help make improvements before they are published. 

Proofreaders are responsible for correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. This is an important step in the publishing process so there will always be a demand for proofreaders. 

If you’re good at spotting and correcting errors this is a great option for you.  This is a flexible job and you can do it while working from home. All you need to get started is a laptop and internet connection.

You can find proofreading jobs on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Proofreading Services. 

15. Translate Books

If you’re fluent in another language you can get paid to read books online by translating them. As a translator, your job is to translate books from one language to another making them accessible to a broader audience. 

To be a good translator you need to have a deep understanding of the book and the ability to capture the tone and style of the text. It isn’t as simple as reading the book word for word, you need to capture the emotion in your translation.    

Audiobooks are a great example of this. Readers can listen to the book and feel the emotions the author is describing. 

To get started as a book translator you can find jobs on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Reed and Babelcube. 

16. Write Your Own Book

If you love reading books and have your own great ideas consider writing your own book. By writing your own book you’ll get paid to read it and make money from sales and royalties. This is another great way to monetise your love for reading and make money from home. 

You can write a book about anything you want. It can be a topic you are passionate about like enchanted animals. Or you can write about your personal experience and share life lessons to help others. 

Writing a book isn’t easy, it will take a lot of time and dedication. But if you set aside specific time to write every day you will complete it. Even if you only write for 1.5 hours a day it will add up and you will have written your own book in no time. 

You can get your book published the traditional way or you can go the self-publishing route. The latter is easier and cheaper. You can write your book and publish it through Amazon KDP. Read here to learn more. 

17. Work for a Publishing House

Working at a publishing house is not necessarily a way to get paid to read books online, but I wanted to include it anyway. 

By working at a publishing house you’ll get exposure to different authors and access to inside information about the book publishing process. 

These jobs won’t necessarily require you to read books, but you can be given tasks to support the book publishing process.

Here are some jobs you can get at publishing houses. 

Editorial Assistant

Average salary $42k a year – As an editorial assistant you’re responsible for supporting senior editorial staff throughout the publishing process from the planning to the production stage. 

Your responsibilities may include proofreading and editing documents, and coordinating production activities. 

Graphic Designer

Average salary $51k a year – In this role, you’d be responsible for creating visual content for both digital and print. 

You may also help design book layouts, covers and promotional materials for social media and advertising. 

Illustrator

Average salary $44k per year – You’d be responsible for drawing and creating artwork for print publications or marketing materials. 

This would require you to work with the author to determine their art style and bring it to life. 

To find these jobs you can look on websites like Indeed, Reed and Publishers Weekly.

Final Thoughts about Ways To Get Paid To Read Books Online

There are many ways to get paid to read books online from joining online platforms to becoming a blogger or proofreader. 

By leveraging your love for reading you can turn your passion into a profitable career. Whether you choose to work as a freelancer or build your own brand the possibilities are endless.  

I hope you have found this post helpful and now have many ideas to get paid to read books online. Which idea will you try? Let me know in the comments below. 

This post was all about ways to get paid to read books online.

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