For avid readers, the idea of getting paid to read books sounds like something that they would only just dream about. But of many enthusiastic readers, they know the secrets, and for them, that dream has come true.
Imagine curling up with your favorite novel and earning money while doing it! The good news is that this dream can be a reality. There are several legitimate ways to get paid to read books, whether you want to supplement your income or make a full-time living.
In this post, we’ll explore various methods on how to get paid to read books, provide specific examples, and show proof of income to inspire you to turn your love for reading into a profitable venture.
1. Become a Book Reviewer
One of the most direct ways to get paid to read books is by becoming a book reviewer. Many publishers, authors, and websites pay for honest and insightful reviews. Book reviewers play a crucial role in the publishing industry, helping readers discover new titles and authors improve their work.
How to Get Started:
- Sign Up for Review Platforms: There are several websites where you can get paid to write book reviews. Some of the most popular include Kirkus Reviews, Online Book Club, and Reedsy Discovery.
- Create a Review Portfolio: Start by reviewing books on your blog, social media, or platforms like Goodreads. Building a portfolio will help you land paid gigs.
- Apply for Review Jobs: Once you have a portfolio, apply for positions on the platforms mentioned above. Each site has its own submission guidelines, so be sure to follow them carefully.
Example:
- Kirkus Reviews pays freelance reviewers to write 350-word reviews for books across all genres. According to reports, reviewers can earn around $50 per review, depending on the complexity and length of the book.
Proof of Income:
- Online Book Club offers between $5 to $60 per review, depending on the book’s popularity and length. Experienced reviewers with a strong portfolio can command higher rates.
2. Join Affiliate Programs for Book Sales
Affiliate marketing is another way to get paid to read books. By joining affiliate programs, you can earn commissions by promoting books and other reading-related products on your blog, website, or social media.
How to Get Started:
- Choose an Affiliate Program: Sign up for affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or Bookshop.org that offer commissions on book sales.
- Promote Books: Share your thoughts on books you’ve read, and include affiliate links to purchase them. You can write blog posts, social media updates, or even create a YouTube channel to discuss your favorite reads.
- Earn Commissions: Every time someone purchases a book through your affiliate link, you earn a commission. The amount varies depending on the platform and product, but Amazon typically offers around 4% to 10% per sale.
Example:
- Amazon Associates is one of the most popular affiliate programs. If you recommend a book priced at $20 and earn a 6% commission, you’d make $1.20 per sale. This might not seem like much, but with a large audience, the earnings can add up quickly.
Proof of Income:
- Successful affiliate marketers can earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per month, depending on their reach and engagement. For example, blogger Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents reportedly earns over $50,000 per month from affiliate marketing, including book recommendations.
3. Become an Audiobook Narrator
If you love reading aloud and have a clear, engaging voice, becoming an audiobook narrator can be a lucrative way to get paid to read books. Audiobook narrators bring stories to life, and there’s a growing demand for skilled narrators as the audiobook market expands.
How to Get Started:
- Build Your Voice Portfolio: Start by recording yourself reading various types of content. This will help you build a portfolio to showcase your voice and style.
- Join Narration Platforms: Sign up for platforms like ACX, Voices.com, or Findaway Voices where you can audition for audiobook projects.
- Get Hired: Submit auditions for books that interest you. Once selected, you’ll be responsible for narrating the entire book, editing the audio, and delivering the final product.
Example:
- ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), a subsidiary of Amazon, connects authors with narrators. Narrators can choose to be paid per finished hour (PFH) or opt for a royalty share, earning a percentage of the book’s sales.
Proof of Income:
- According to ACX, narrators typically earn between $100 to $200 PFH. For example, if you narrate a 10-hour audiobook at $150 PFH, you’d earn $1,500 for the project. Some experienced narrators earn even more, especially with royalty shares.
4. Get Paid to Read and Summarize Books
Another way to get paid to read books is by providing summaries or abstracts for busy professionals, students, or companies. Many people don’t have time to read full-length books, so they rely on summaries to get the key points quickly.
How to Get Started:
- Offer Summarization Services: Create a website or use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to offer book summarization services. You can charge clients to summarize business books, self-help guides, or novels.
- Join a Summary Platform: Some companies specialize in book summaries, such as Blinkist and GetAbstract. Apply to work with these platforms as a writer or editor.
Example:
- Blinkist hires writers to create 15-minute summaries of non-fiction books. These summaries are then sold as part of their subscription service, which has millions of users.
Proof of Income:
- Freelance writers on platforms like Fiverr can charge anywhere from $50 to $300 per book summary, depending on the length and complexity. Experienced summarizers on Blinkist reportedly earn a steady income, although specific figures are not publicly available.
5. Work as a Literary Agent or Scout
Literary agents and scouts play a crucial role in the publishing industry, discovering new talent and negotiating deals between authors and publishers. If you have a keen eye for good writing and a love for reading, this could be an exciting way to get paid to read books.
How to Get Started:
- Gain Experience: Start by working in the publishing industry or as an assistant to an established literary agent. Internships and entry-level positions at publishing houses are also good starting points.
- Build a Network: Networking is key in the publishing industry. Attend book fairs, writing conferences, and industry events to connect with authors, publishers, and other agents.
- Represent Authors: As you gain experience, start representing authors. Help them polish their manuscripts and pitch their work to publishers. Literary agents typically earn a commission on the deals they negotiate.
Example:
- Literary Agencies like Writers House and Curtis Brown Ltd. are well-known for representing bestselling authors. Agents at these firms often discover new books that go on to become major hits.
Proof of Income:
- Literary agents typically earn 15% of the author’s earnings from book deals. For example, if you represent an author whose book earns $100,000 in sales, your commission would be $15,000. Successful agents representing multiple authors can earn a substantial income.
6. Offer Beta Reading Services
Beta readers provide feedback to authors before their books are published. This feedback is invaluable, helping authors improve their manuscripts and make them more appealing to readers. If you enjoy reading and analyzing books, offering beta reading services can be a great way to get paid.
How to Get Started:
- Advertise Your Services: Use platforms like Reedsy or Goodreads to offer beta reading services. You can also create a website or blog to promote your services.
- Build a Reputation: Start by offering free or discounted beta reading to build a portfolio and gain testimonials from authors. As you gain experience, you can increase your rates.
- Provide Detailed Feedback: Authors rely on beta readers to provide honest, constructive feedback. Focus on the book’s plot, characters, pacing, and overall readability.
Example:
- Reedsy is a platform where you can connect with authors looking for beta readers. Experienced beta readers on Reedsy charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per manuscript, depending on the length and level of feedback required.
Proof of Income:
- Beta readers can earn a decent income depending on their experience and the number of projects they take on. For example, reading and providing feedback on 5 books per month at $100 each could bring in $500 per month.
7. Participate in Reading Programs and Contests
Some programs and contests offer cash prizes or payment for reading and reviewing books. These opportunities can be seasonal or ongoing, and they provide a unique way to get paid to read.
How to Get Started:
- Research Opportunities: Look for reading programs, literary contests, and book review competitions that offer cash prizes. Many literary magazines and online platforms host such events.
- Enter Contests: Submit your reviews, essays, or summaries to these contests. Follow the guidelines closely and ensure your submissions are polished and compelling.
- Join Reading Programs: Some organizations, like The Reading Agency in the UK, offer paid opportunities for readers to participate in community reading programs or book clubs.
Example:
- Reader Views hosts an annual literary awards program where reviewers can win cash prizes for their book reviews. Participating in such contests not only gives you the chance to earn money but also helps you gain recognition as a reviewer.
Proof of Income:
- Prizes for literary contests can range from $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on the competition. For example, the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Program offers a significant cash prize for the best reviews.
8. Write Book Summaries for Students and Professionals
If you have a knack for condensing complex information into easily digestible summaries, you can get paid to write book summaries specifically for students and professionals. This service is highly valued in academic and business settings.
How to Get Started:
- Identify Your Niche: Focus on summarizing textbooks, business books, or academic literature that students and professionals are likely to need.
- Market Your Services: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Fiverr, or your own website to offer your summarization services.
- Work with Clients: Establish clear communication with your clients to understand their needs. Provide well-organized, concise summaries that capture the essence of the material.
Example:
- Fiverr offers numerous gigs related to book summarization. Top-rated sellers charge between $50 and $150 per summary, depending on the book’s length and complexity.
Proof of Income:
- A freelancer who specializes in summarizing academic books can easily earn $500 to $1,000 per month by handling multiple projects. For instance, completing 10 summaries at $100 each would yield $1,000.
9. Start a Book Blog or YouTube Channel
Creating a blog or YouTube channel dedicated to book reviews, recommendations, and discussions can be a profitable way to get paid to read books. By monetizing your platform through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, you can earn a steady income.
How to Get Started:
- Choose a Niche: Decide whether you want to focus on a specific genre, audience, or type of content. For example, you could review only science fiction novels or focus on self-help books.
- Create Content Regularly: Consistency is key. Whether you’re writing blog posts or recording videos, make sure to post regularly to build and maintain an audience.
- Monetize Your Platform: Once you’ve built an audience, you can monetize your blog or channel through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links. Join ad networks like Google AdSense or work with brands that align with your content.
Example:
- Booktubers like Regan Perusse from the Peruse Project channel earn money through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Regan reviews books, shares reading tips, and discusses literary trends with her audience.
Proof of Income:
- Successful book bloggers and YouTubers can earn between $500 and $5,000 per month, depending on their audience size and engagement. For instance, a book blogger with strong traffic could earn around $1,000 per month through ad revenue and affiliate commissions.
10. Translate Books for a Global Audience
If you’re bilingual or multilingual, translating books can be a rewarding way to get paid to read. Translators are in high demand, especially as authors and publishers seek to reach global audiences. This job involves reading books in one language and translating them into another, preserving the original meaning and tone.
How to Get Started:
- Build Your Translation Skills: Start by translating short texts or articles to build your skills and portfolio. Consider taking courses in translation to hone your abilities.
- Join Translation Platforms: Register on platforms like ProZ.com or TranslatorsCafe where you can find book translation projects.
- Connect with Authors and Publishers: Reach out to authors or publishing houses that publish in multiple languages. Offer your services as a translator, and provide examples of your work.
Example:
- ProZ.com is a platform where freelance translators can find work translating books and other documents. Rates vary depending on the language pair and complexity, but experienced translators can earn significant income.
Proof of Income:
- Translators typically charge per word, with rates ranging from $0.10 to $0.30 per word. For a 60,000-word book, this could result in earnings of $6,000 to $18,000 per translation. Some high-demand language pairs or specialized fields can command even higher rates.
11. Work as a Book Publicist or Marketer
If you’re passionate about promoting books and authors, working as a book publicist or marketer might be the perfect way to get paid to read books. Publicists and marketers read books to understand their appeal and then create strategies to promote them to the right audience.
How to Get Started:
- Gain Marketing Experience: Start by working in a marketing or public relations role, ideally within the publishing industry. Understanding marketing strategies and audience targeting is crucial.
- Network with Authors and Publishers: Build relationships with authors, literary agents, and publishers. Offer your services as a publicist or marketer, helping them promote their books.
- Create Marketing Campaigns: Develop and execute marketing campaigns that include book reviews, social media promotion, book tours, and press releases.
Example:
- Book Publicists at agencies like Smith Publicity work with authors to promote their books through media coverage, events, and social media. They play a crucial role in getting books in front of readers.
Proof of Income:
- Book publicists and marketers can earn between $40,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on their experience and the scope of their projects. Freelancers might charge $1,500 to $5,000 per campaign, depending on the services offered.
Conclusion: Start Your Journey to Get Paid to Read Books
The possibilities for getting paid to read books are vast, from writing reviews and summaries to narrating audiobooks and translating works for new audiences. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time career, there’s a path that can turn your love of reading into a profitable endeavor.
Start exploring these opportunities today, and who knows? You could be on your way to getting paid to read books and doing what you love every day.
Until we meet again, remember…
Be Yourself, Help Others, NEVER QUIT!
Seely Clark IV
