Get Paid to Read Books: 15 Best Sites for Bibliophiles in 2024
Have you ever dreamed of turning your love for books into a money-making venture? Well, bookworms, it’s time to rejoice because that dream can now become a reality! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how you can get paid to read books, diving into the 15 best opportunities available in 2024. So, grab your favorite reading glasses, settle into your coziest chair, and let’s embark on this literary adventure together!
How Getting Paid to Read Books Works
Before we dive into the specific opportunities, let’s break down how this bibliophile’s dream job actually works:
- Types of Opportunities: Most paid reading gigs fall into one of these categories:
- Book reviewing
- Proofreading
- Beta reading
- Audiobook narration
- Skills Needed: While a love for reading is the primary requirement, you’ll also benefit from:
- Strong writing skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Basic computer literacy
- Typical Pay Rates: Earnings can vary widely, but here’s a general range:
- Book reviews: $5 – $60 per review
- Proofreading: $15 – $50 per hour
- Beta reading: Often unpaid or paid in free books, but can earn up to $60 per book
- Audiobook narration: $100 – $500 per finished hour
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the top 15 companies that will pay you to indulge in your reading passion!
Top 15 Companies That Pay You to Read Books
1. Online Book Club
What They Offer: Book reviews
How to Apply: Sign up on their website and complete a sample review
Payment: $5 – $60 per review, plus free books
Pros: Great for beginners, wide variety of books
Cons: First review is unpaid
Online Book Club is a fantastic starting point for aspiring book reviewers. I remember submitting my first review with shaky hands, nervous about the outcome. But the thrill of receiving my first paid assignment a week later was unmatched!
2. Kirkus Media
What They Offer: Professional book reviews
How to Apply: Submit your resume and writing samples
Payment: Undisclosed, but reported to be around $50 per review
Pros: Highly respected in the publishing industry
Cons: Competitive application process
Kirkus is the big leagues of book reviewing. Landing a gig here can open doors in the publishing world, so it’s worth putting extra effort into your application.
3. BookBrowse
What They Offer: In-depth book reviews and feature articles
How to Apply: Fill out their online application form
Payment: Modest payment (amount undisclosed) plus a byline
Pros: Opportunity to write longer, more analytical pieces
Cons: Limited number of review opportunities
BookBrowse is perfect for those who love to dive deep into a book’s themes and nuances. It’s not just about whether you liked the book, but why and how it resonates.
4. Publishers Weekly
What They Offer: Book reviews across various genres
How to Apply: Send your resume and a 200-word sample review
Payment: Honorarium (amount undisclosed)
Pros: Prestigious publication, great for building your portfolio
Cons: Highly competitive
Getting published in Publishers Weekly is like hitting the jackpot in the book reviewing world. It’s tough to get in, but the bragging rights are worth it!
5. Women’s Review of Books
What They Offer: Reviews of books by and about women
How to Apply: Submit your resume and sample reviews
Payment: $100 per review, plus a free subscription
Pros: Focused niche, opportunity to support women authors
Cons: Limited to books with themes related to women
If you’re passionate about amplifying women’s voices in literature, this is your dream gig. I’ve found some of my favorite authors through reviewing for WRB!
6. The U.S. Review of Books
What They Offer: Professional book reviews
How to Apply: Submit an application on their website
Payment: Undisclosed, paid monthly by check
Pros: Regular work available, wide range of genres
Cons: Tight deadlines
The U.S. Review of Books is great for those who can write quickly and meet deadlines. It’s taught me to be more efficient in my reading and reviewing process.
7. Reedsy Discovery
What They Offer: Reviews of indie books
How to Apply: Create a reviewer profile on their website
Payment: Tips from authors and readers ($1, $3, or $5)
Pros: Access to new, undiscovered books
Cons: Payment is not guaranteed
Reedsy Discovery is a unique platform where you can help indie authors gain visibility. It’s more about the love of reading than the money, but those tips can add up!
8. Booklist
What They Offer: Reviews for libraries and book industry professionals
How to Apply: Submit a writing sample and resume
Payment: $15 per review
Pros: Respected publication, opportunity to influence library purchases
Cons: Very concise reviews (175 words) can be challenging
Writing for Booklist taught me the art of concise yet impactful reviewing. It’s a skill that’s valuable far beyond just book reviews!
9. Writerful Books
What They Offer: Book reviews and author services
How to Apply: Contact them through their website
Payment: $10 – $50 per review
Pros: Opportunities for both reviews and other writing services
Cons: Payment varies widely
Writerful Books is a great all-rounder. I’ve found it to be a reliable source of reviewing gigs, and they’re always professional to work with.
10. Foreword Reviews
What They Offer: Reviews of indie books
How to Apply: Submit an application to their managing editor
Payment: $55 per review
Pros: Focus on indie books, fair pay
Cons: Longer reviews (400 words) require more time
Foreword Reviews is a personal favorite. The focus on indie books means you’re often reading fresh, unique voices that might not get attention otherwise.
11. Book Tasters
What They Offer: Book reviews and beta reading
How to Apply: Sign up on their website
Payment: Unpaid, but offers free books and potential prizes
Pros: Great for beginners, access to pre-release books
Cons: No monetary compensation
While Book Tasters doesn’t pay cash, it’s an excellent way to build your reviewing skills and make connections in the publishing world. Plus, free books!
12. eBookFairs
What They Offer: Book reviews for indie authors
How to Apply: Apply through their website
Payment: Varies, typically a few dollars per review
Pros: Flexible, choose your own books to review
Cons: Lower pay compared to some other platforms
eBookFairs is a good option if you’re looking to dip your toes into paid reviewing without a huge time commitment.
13. Reader’s Favorite
What They Offer: Book reviews and contest judging
How to Apply: Sign up as a reviewer on their website
Payment: Free books, potential for paid opportunities
Pros: Variety of genres, opportunity to judge book contests
Cons: Not all reviews are paid
Reader’s Favorite is great for expanding your reading horizons. I’ve discovered some real gems through their diverse selection of books!
14. Blue Ink Review
What They Offer: Professional reviews for self-published authors
How to Apply: Contact them through their website
Payment: Undisclosed
Pros: Respected in the self-publishing community
Cons: May require specific expertise in certain genres
Blue Ink Review is perfect if you have specialized knowledge in a particular field. They often need reviewers with specific expertise to evaluate niche books.
15. Upwork
What They Offer: Freelance opportunities for various reading and reviewing jobs
How to Apply: Create a profile and bid on relevant jobs
Payment: Varies widely, set your own rates
Pros: Flexibility, variety of opportunities
Cons: Competition can be fierce
Upwork isn’t specifically for book reviews, but I’ve found numerous reading-related gigs there. It’s a great place to build a diverse portfolio of work.
Tips for Success as a Paid Book Reader
- Develop Your Skills: Practice writing concise, engaging reviews. Read widely to understand different genres.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Start a book blog or Goodreads account to showcase your reviews.
- Manage Your Time: Set reading schedules and stick to deadlines.
- Be Professional: Always meet deadlines and follow guidelines meticulously.
- Network: Engage with other reviewers and authors on social media.
Challenges and Considerations
- Inconsistent Work: Paid reading opportunities can be sporadic. It’s best to view this as a side hustle rather than a full-time job.
- Tight Deadlines: You might need to read and review books quickly, which can be stressful.
- Maintaining Objectivity: It’s important to provide honest, constructive reviews, even if you didn’t enjoy the book.
Final Thoughts
Getting paid to read books is a dream come true for many book lovers, but it does require effort and dedication. Start with platforms that welcome beginners, build your skills and reputation, and who knows? You might just turn your passion for reading into a profitable side hustle or even a full-time career!
Remember, the joy of reading should always be at the heart of what you do. Happy reading, and may your bookshelves (and wallet) always be full!
FAQs About Getting Paid to Read Books
- Do I need any special qualifications to get paid for reading books?
A: While a degree in literature or related field can be helpful, it’s not always necessary. Strong reading comprehension and writing skills are the most important qualifications. - How many books can I expect to read per month?
A: This varies widely depending on the company and your availability. Some reviewers read 1-2 books per month, while others might read 10 or more. - Can I make a full-time income from reading books?
A: While it’s possible, it’s challenging to make a full-time income solely from reading books. Most people do this as a side hustle or combine it with other freelance writing work. - Do I get to keep the books I review?
A: In many cases, yes! This is especially true for digital copies. Some companies may require you to return physical copies of books. - What if I don’t like the book I’m assigned to review?
A: Professional reviewers are expected to provide objective, constructive feedback regardless of personal preferences. If you truly can’t finish a book, communicate with your editor about the situation.