If you want to get paid to read books, the good news is that you have many options for doing so. It’s not every day that readers trade their favorite hobby for a payment, but it’s a viable way to earn some extra income.
Whether you want to start small by writing short reviews, venture into deeper waters with blog reviews, or choose to make a living reviewing or purchasing books, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we take a look at ten ways you can get paid to read books and what you need to equip yourself to do so. Where applicable, we also share how much you can expect to earn for each option. Let’s dive in!
#1 – Critical Partner
A fellow critic, also known as a CP, is a fellow writer who agrees to critique your work. When looking for the right critique partner, search for online writing groups, social media, writer websites, and even job boards.
While critical partners often share work and do so at no cost, if you’re a qualified writer and another writer asks you to review their work, you’ll likely be happy to pay you for your expertise.
#2 – Professional proofreader
A professional reviewer is someone whose job it is to read books and write about the overall quality of the book. If you want to become a professional reviewer, consider starting a website and posting book reviews there.
Build your presence on Goodreads and social media, and make sure your reviews are thoughtful and aimed at your target audience. Once you’re familiar with the process, submit reviews to industry professionals, submit applications, or consider starting a freelance career.
#3 – Sensitivity Reader
While writers are often told to write what they know, part of the creative process is coming up with characters. However, it is crucial that the fictional characters are well written and humanized. This is where sensitive readers come in.
If you want to get paid to read books, consider your background, ethnicity, and cultural background. Then build a website and market your services, or apply for a job for a publisher as a sensitive reader. One reader offers the following rates:
- 5,000 words or less: $50 flat fee
- 5,001-10,000 words: $50+(# words out of 5,000) x ($0.01 per word)
- 10,001-30,000 words: $100+(# words out of 10,000) x ($0.0075 per word)
- 30,001 and over: $250+(# words over 30,000) x ($0.005 per word)
Audiobooks next.
#4 – Audiobooks
Have you ever wondered where those voices for audiobooks come from? Well, if you want to get paid to read books aloud, consider becoming an audiobook reader! If you have a background in singing, theater or public speaking, this will be a great help.
Getting Started Tip: Brilliance Audio
While Brilliance Audio rates vary from book to book, they are known as one of the leading companies in the audiobook industry. Show your audio quality, favorite genre to read and then negotiate with the author for your pay rate.
#5 – Work as a translator
Books that are highly successful are often translated into other languages… but who does that work? Well, if you are fluent in another language, consider book translation as a side job or even your main source of income.
Keep in mind that because you are writing the book in another language, you are in fact the author of the book you are working on. This means that you may be subject to receiving royalties, just as the author does.
#6 – Book List
Booklist pays $15 per review and is part of the American Library Association. Your application window opens in January 2023. If you want to help make life easier for school and public library workers, write a 150-175 word review and get paid to do it!
#7 – Online Book Club
If you want to get paid to read books, what better than to also choose which books you read? Through Online Book Club, you can expect to get paid anywhere from $5 to $60, receive the book for free, and then submit your first review. While you will not be paid for your first review, you do not have to request a review of this site. New to the review? This is a great place to start.
#8 – Beta Reader
Beta readers are often used before a book is published. Think of a beta reader as someone who beta tests the manuscript:
- He is good looking?
- Are the characters believable?
- Is there a plot point missing?
If you want to work as a beta reader, find writing groups, offer your services, and choose your fees.
#9 – Concealer
A proofreader is the last pair of eyes before a manuscript goes to print. This means that you are responsible for catching typographical errors and ensuring that all formatting complies with industry standards.
If you enjoy reading books but aren’t much into online editions, becoming a proofreader may be the next best step for you. Plus, proofreaders can work for traditional publishers or as freelancers, so your options are vast.
#10 – Acquisitions Editor
An acquisitions editor, or acquisitions editor, is one of the gatekeepers of the traditional publishing world. His job is to review the books and decide which ones to follow through to publication and which ones need a rejection letter.
The fun part of working in acquisitions (and the stressful part) is that your job is to read a book until you no longer find it appealing. I hope you read to the last page! But, if you get bored in the middle of a book, you can stop reading and, unfortunately for the writer, send that rejection letter.
Earn money for reading books and living your dream
Now that you have a list of ideas on how to earn money to read books, it’s time to take action so you can start living your dream. However, please take a few minutes to consider the following points before you begin:
- Resist the temptation to search for all the options at once
- At first, try to review the books you love
- Read like a reader and like a reviewer
- Consider the author
It’s easy to experience decision fatigue when presented with so many ways to make money reading books. Instead of trying everything, choose one or two options that interest you the most and start there.
Then review the books you love to allow you to write glowing reviews instead of cynical ones. While it’s important to be honest in reviews, always be tactful.
Lastly, don’t forget that readers, as well as critics, will likely read your reviews, so tailor your review voice accordingly. And with that being said, the authors themselves can read your review! Whether you loved or hated their book, they spent hours, months, and possibly years of their lives getting their book out into the world. Always remember to be kind.
We’re excited to hear about the books you read, the reviews you write, and the method you choose to get paid to read books. Enjoy the process, start your sideline, or even change careers!
