10 best ways to get paid to read books
For book lovers, what could be more exciting than getting paid to read? Imagine turning your passion for books into a source of income—sounds like a dream, right? Well, in today’s digital age, this dream is very much a reality!
You can now make money in your spare time just by doing what you love. There are many companies that will pay you to read books, write reviews, create summaries, and even narrate audiobooks.
I will share 10 legitimate websites where you can get paid to read books. You can take these methods as a side hustle or full-time job.
10 ways get paid to read books
1. Become a Book Reviewer
Many websites and magazines want to hire people like you to write reviews for their books. Some platforms, like Kirkus Reviews, Online Book Club, and Reedsy Discovery, offer compensation for honest and insightful reviews.
Book reviews need strong analytics and writing skills to summarize books effectively. After assigning books, review the task you are to complete within the week, and the word count will be about 350 words.
To apply for this job, you need to submit your resume and writing samples in your portfolio.
2. Write Summaries for Books
Many people don’t have too much time to read all the books, so they want key takeaways quickly. Platforms like Blinkist and Instaread are helping them by providing book summaries.
Your role involves reading and analyzing books to extract their essential information and lessons.
The summaries must be engaging and clear so that the readers can easily understand the purpose of the book.
3. Become an Audiobook Narrator
If you have a good voice, you can become an audiobook narrator. People also love to listen to audiobooks, so they need to read them.
You can become a voice-over artist on ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange). Narrators can get paid per finished hour of recording or earn royalties from audiobook sales.
4. Work as a Proofreader
If you enjoy reading, have an eye for detail, and are passionate about refining written content, then this opportunity is good for you. Proofreaders focus on correcting grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation.
Many authors and publishing houses want to hire a proofreader for their content. Upwork is a freelance platform where you can find these jobs easily.
5. Start a Book Blog
Starting a book blog is a great way to share your passion, and it has excellent earning potential. As a book blogger, you can write reviews and summaries of the books.
A blog can earn money in different ways, like displaying ads, affiliates, sponsor posts, etc. Other than on your blog, you can promote your own books or products.
6. Translate Books
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, you can get paid to translate books for international audiences. Let’s say you are native to English and also know Spanish; you can translate English into Spanish.
Websites like Gengo, Unbabel, and Babelcube offer translation opportunities. Below are some other websites where you can find jobs.
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Flexjobs
- Ulatus
6. Join a Paid Reading Program
Some companies, such as Online Book Club and Publisher’s Weekly, pay readers to read and review books. Although some of these programs do not offer direct payment, they often provide free books and compensation for high-quality reviews.
7. Start a YouTube channel
Starting a YouTube channel is a great way to monetize your passion. Many YouTube channels upload audiobooks and print dollars. Create a brand new YouTube channel and start uploading your own audiobooks.
There are also many ways of earning money, such as ads, affiliates, sponsored videos, etc.
8. Become a beta reader
Authors and publishers pay beta readers to provide feedback before a book is published.
Websites like BetaReader.io and Fiverr connect beta readers with authors looking for constructive criticism on their manuscripts.
9. Transcribe Audiobooks
Transcriptionists convert spoken words into written text. Companies like Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript offer work-from-home transcription jobs, including audiobook transcription, for those with excellent listening and typing skills.
10. Join a Paid Reading Program
Some companies, such as Online Book Club and Publisher’s Weekly, pay readers to read and review books.
Although some of these programs do not offer direct payment, they often provide free books and compensation for high-quality reviews.
Conclusion
If you love reading, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion into income. Whether you choose to write reviews, narrate audiobooks, or sell book-related content, these 10 options can help you make money.
Find the opportunity that best suits your skills and interests, and start getting paid to read books today!
