Hey bookworms and aspiring reviewers! 📚✍️ Are you passionate about books and looking for a side hustle that combines your love for reading with a chance to earn some extra cash? You’re in luck because I’ve discovered some fantastic websites and publishers that will actually pay you for your literary insights. That’s right – get paid to indulge in your favorite pastime!
Highlights
- Variety of Genres: There’s a platform for almost every type of book lover.
- Pay Structure: It varies; some offer cash, others provide free books or a combination.
- Initial Investment: Some require unpaid initial reviews or specific reviewer experience.
- Potential Earnings: Vary widely; some offer cash, while others provide free books or a combination.
- Competitive Field: Some platforms are more accessible than others, and breaking into the more prestigious ones may take time and experience.
Here Are the Places to Get Paid for Reading and Reviewing Books:
Now, are you ready to discover where you can start this reading adventure? I’ve scoured the literary world to bring you a comprehensive list of platforms and publishers that are looking for someone exactly like you – passionate about books and skilled in expressing your views. From well-known names in the industry to hidden gems, this list has a little bit of everything for everyone.
The U.S. Review of Books
- What It Is: US Review of Books is a platform hiring freelance reviewers to write about a wide range of books.
- Getting Started: Fairly straightforward – send a resume, writing samples, and references.
- Ease of Use: Good for those with some reviewing experience. Choice of titles adds flexibility.
- Pay Potential: Monthly payment details aren’t specified, but the free books are a definite perk.
Online Book Club
- What It Is: Online Book Club is a community for book lovers offering opportunities for paid book reviews.
- Getting Started: Simple sign-up process. Your first review is unpaid, but it opens the door to paid opportunities.
- Ease of Use: Very accessible, especially for avid readers who enjoy discovering new authors.
- Pay Potential: Ranges from $5 to $60 per review after the initial unpaid review.
Kirkus Media
- What It Is: Kirkus Media is known for its magazine “Kirkus Indie,” it offers chances to review self-published books.
- Getting Started: Requires experience. Apply with a resume, writing samples, and specialties.
- Ease of Use: Best for seasoned reviewers, especially those comfortable with indie titles.
- Pay Potential: Unspecified, but it’s a reputable name that can add value to your reviewing portfolio.
Booklist Online
- What It Is: Bookist Online is a review magazine by the American Library Association.
- Getting Started: Applications are currently on hold, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
- Ease of Use: Suited for concise writers as reviews are limited to 175 words.
- Pay Potential: $15 per review, although there’s a small fee for rejected submissions.
Women’s Review of Books
- What It Is: Woman’s Review of Books focuses on books by and about women, linked to Wellesley College.
- Getting Started: Currently in an editorial transition, but inquiries are encouraged.
- Ease of Use: Appeals to those with a strong background in academia or journalism.
- Pay Potential: Historically $100 per review, though current rates are uncertain.
Publisher’s Weekly
- What It Is: Publisher’s Weekly is a prestigious magazine covering various aspects of the book publishing industry.
- Getting Started: Requires a resume and sample reviews, ideal for experienced reviewers.
- Ease of Use: Diverse genres offer many niches, but competition can be high.
- Pay Potential: Offers an honorarium per review, though the exact amount isn’t clear.
BookBrowse
- What It Is: Bookbrowse focuses on curated, high-quality fiction and nonfiction.
- Getting Started: Open to all, but they prefer you familiarize yourself with their style.
- Ease of Use: Good for those who enjoy in-depth, quality literature analysis.
- Pay Potential: Offers a modest payment and a byline, specifics not detailed.
Reedsy Discovery
- What It Is: Reedsy Discovery is a hub for discovering and reviewing self-published books.
- Getting Started: Straightforward application form to become a reviewer.
- Ease of Use: Great for those who enjoy exploring new indie titles.
- Pay Potential: Earn tips from readers as a token of appreciation.
eBookFairs
- What It Is: eBookFairs helps authors grow their platforms; offers a Paid Book Reader program.
- Getting Started: Review guidelines are strict but clear.
- Ease of Use: Good for detailed reviewers who can follow specific instructions.
- Pay Potential: Freelance basis; limited positions available.
Upwork
- What It Is: Upwork is a freelancing platform with a variety of book review opportunities.
- Getting Started: Sign up as a freelancer and browse listings.
- Ease of Use: Varies based on individual client requirements.
- Pay Potential: Variable, depends on the client and project.
Moody Press
- What It Is: Moody Press is a christian titles and Bible study resources publisher.
- Getting Started: Join their Blogger Review Program for free Advanced Reading Copies (ARCs).
- Ease of Use: Ideal for those interested in Christian literature.
- Pay Potential: No monetary pay, but free books provided.
New Pages
- What It Is: New Pages focuses on small presses, independent publishers, and literary magazines.
- Getting Started: Ideal for fans of indie literature; short book reviews.
- Ease of Use: Good for those who prefer concise reviews.
- Pay Potential: Variable, based on the review.
Tyndale Blog Network
- What It Is: Tyndale Blog Network offers a rewards system for reviewing Tyndale and NavPress books.
- Getting Started: Earn points for reviews, which can be redeemed for more books.
- Ease of Use: Innovative for those who enjoy a rewards-based system.
- Pay Potential: Points system, not directly paid in cash.
Instaread
- What It Is: Instaread seeks summaries of nonfiction books’ key insights.
- Getting Started: Longer summary format, around 1000-1500 words.
- Ease of Use: Suitable for those who enjoy summarizing nonfiction content.
- Pay Potential: $100 per summary.
NetGalley
- What It Is: NetGalley connects book reviewers with publishers for pre-publication reviews.
- Getting Started: Free membership, broad catalog of upcoming titles.
- Ease of Use: Excellent for avid readers keen on early access to new books.
- Pay Potential: No direct payment, but free ARCs.
getAbstract
- What It Is: getAbstract summarizes nonfiction books for quick consumption.
- Getting Started: Often looking for writers to condense science and technology content.
- Ease of Use: Niche-focused, good for those with a knack for summarizing complex topics.
- Pay Potential: Freelance basis, specific rates not detailed.
Writerful Books
- What It Is: Writerful Books is an author services company offering a range of book-related services, including reviewing.
- Getting Started: Open to reviewing any book, preference for certain authors and nationalities.
- Ease of Use: Flexible in book choices, looking for fresh voices.
- Pay Potential: $10 to $50 per review.
More Ways to Earn Money by Reading Books
You can turn your passion into a profitable venture if you love reading books. Here are some ways to earn money by reading books.
Proofreading and Editing
If you have a keen eye for detail and love reading books, you can earn money by proofreading and editing books. As a proofreader or editor, your job is to check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, as well as typos and inconsistencies.
You can find proofreading and editing jobs on freelance websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. You can earn anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on your level of experience.
Narrating Audiobooks
Another way to earn money by reading books is by narrating audiobooks. Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular, and many authors and publishers are looking for narrators to bring their books to life.
To get started, you need to have a good voice and be able to read fluently and expressively. You can find audiobook narration jobs on websites like ACX, Voices.com, and Audiobook Creation Exchange. You can earn anywhere from $50 to $400 per finished hour of narration.
Selling Book Summaries
If you’re a fast reader and can summarize books quickly and accurately, you can earn money by selling book summaries. Book summaries are a popular way for busy people to get the gist of a book without having to read the entire thing.
You can sell book summaries on websites like Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Kobo Writing Life. You can earn anywhere from $1 to $10 per summary, depending on the length and quality of the summary.
Building an Online Presence
If you want to make money reading books, building an online presence is crucial. Not only does it give you a platform to showcase your reading skills, but it also helps you connect with potential clients and readers. Here are two ways to build an online presence:
Creating a Book Review Blog
One of the best ways to get paid to read books is to start your own book review blog. This allows you to showcase your reading skills and build a following of readers who trust your opinions. Here are some tips to get started:
- Choose a niche: Decide on a specific genre or topic that you want to focus on. This will help you attract a specific audience and establish yourself as an expert in that area.
- Create high-quality content: Write detailed and engaging book reviews that provide value to your readers. Use images, quotes, and examples to illustrate your points.
- Promote your blog: Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to promote your blog and attract readers. Consider collaborating with other bloggers and influencers to expand your reach.
Leveraging Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for building an online presence and connecting with potential clients and readers. Here are some tips to leverage social media for your book reading business:
- Choose the right platforms: Identify the social media platforms that your target audience uses the most. For example, if you want to target young adults, you might focus on Instagram and TikTok.
- Share valuable content: Share book reviews, reading tips, and other content that your audience will find interesting and valuable. Use hashtags and other features to increase your visibility.
- Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and messages, ask for feedback, and encourage your followers to share your content. This will help you build a loyal and engaged following.
Legal and Financial Considerations
When it comes to making money by reading books, there are a few legal and financial considerations to keep in mind. In this section, we’ll discuss two important sub-sections: Understanding Copyright Laws and Setting Up a Payment Method.
Understanding Copyright Laws
Before you start writing reviews or narrating audiobooks, it’s important to understand copyright laws. Copyright laws protect the rights of authors and publishers, and it’s illegal to reproduce or distribute copyrighted material without permission.
When you’re writing a book review, it’s important to make sure that you’re not copying any content from the book itself. You can quote a few lines from the book if you want, but you should always give credit to the author and publisher.
If you’re narrating an audiobook, you’ll need to get permission from the author or publisher to use their work. You can do this by contacting them directly or by working with a platform like ACX, which handles the legal and financial aspects of audiobook production.
Setting Up a Payment Method
Once you start making money by reading books, you’ll need to set up a payment method. There are several options available, including PayPal, direct deposit, and check.
PayPal is a popular choice for many freelancers because it’s easy to use and has low fees. You can link your PayPal account to your bank account or credit card and transfer funds quickly and easily.
Direct deposit is another option, but it requires you to provide your bank account information to the company you’re working with. This can be a security risk, so make sure you trust the company before you give them your information.
Finally, some companies may offer to pay you by check. While this is a traditional payment method, it can be slow and inconvenient. You’ll need to wait for the check to arrive in the mail, and then deposit it at your bank.
In conclusion, understanding copyright laws and setting up a payment method are important considerations when you’re making money by reading books. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you’re working legally and getting paid on time.
In conclusion, reading books can be a great way to earn some extra cash. Whether you are an avid reader or just looking for a new way to make money, plenty of opportunities are available to you.
Ultimately, the key to making money reading books is to find the right opportunity that fits your interests and skills. With a little research and effort, you can turn your love of reading into a profitable side hustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some companies that pay you to read books?
There are several companies that pay you to read books and provide feedback. Some of the popular ones are Kirkus Media, Reedsy Discovery, BookBrowse, Online Book Club, Women’s Review of Books, and The US Review of Books. These companies offer various payment options, including cash, gift cards, and free books.
How can I join an online book club and get paid for it?
To join an online book club and get paid for it, you can check out websites like Any Subject Books, NetGalley, and Booklist Online. These websites offer opportunities for book lovers to join book clubs and get paid for reading and reviewing books. You can also check out social media platforms like Facebook and Goodreads, where you can find book clubs and communities that offer payment for book reviews.
Is it possible to earn money by reading children’s books aloud?
Yes, it is possible to earn money by reading children’s books aloud. You can check out websites like ACX and Voices.com, which offer opportunities for voice actors to narrate audiobooks. You can also check out YouTube channels and podcasts that cater to children’s books and offer payment for narration.
What are some apps that pay you to read and review books?
There are several apps that pay you to read and review books, including Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars. These apps offer rewards for reading and reviewing books, including cash, gift cards, and other prizes. You can also check out apps like Bookscouter, which pay you to sell your used books.
How do I become a book reviewer for Kirkus Reviews?
To become a book reviewer for Kirkus Reviews, you need to have a degree in English, journalism, or a related field. You can apply for the job on their website and provide a writing sample and a resume. If selected, you will be trained on their review process and guidelines.
Can you make a living by reading and reviewing books?
While it is possible to make a living by reading and reviewing books, it is not easy. Most book reviewers work as freelancers and earn a few hundred dollars per month. To make a living, you need to have a large client base and work on multiple projects simultaneously. It is also essential to have a good understanding of the publishing industry and be able to write engaging and informative reviews.
