Love books and wish you could get paid to dive into them all day? Well, you’re in luck! There are plenty of fun and easy ways to turn your reading habit into a side hustle or even a full-time gig.
Whether you’re a casual reader or a bookworm with a keen eye for detail, there’s something here for you. From reviewing novels to narrating audiobooks, opportunities abound.
In this list, we’ll explore a variety of creative, accessible, and rewarding ways to get paid to read books. You might just find your perfect match.
So, grab your favorite mug and settle in — your next paid reading adventure is just a scroll away.
Ready to turn those pages into paychecks? Let’s dive into these 19+ fun and easy ways to get paid to read books.
By the end, you’ll be inspired to make your love of reading work for you in exciting new ways!
1. Book Reviewing and Blogging
If you have a knack for writing and love sharing your thoughts on books, reviewing and blogging can be a fantastic way to get paid to read. Many publishers, authors, and websites look for honest reviews to help promote new titles.
Starting a book blog or contributing to established review platforms allows you to combine reading with writing, building an audience that trusts your opinions. Plus, you can often receive free books and sometimes payment for your reviews.
Here are some ways to get started:
1. Start a Book Review Blog – Create your own website dedicated to book reviews. Monetize it through ads, affiliate links to book retailers, and sponsored posts. Building a loyal readership takes time, but it’s rewarding and scalable.
2. Write for Book Review Websites – Platforms like Kirkus Reviews or OnlineBookClub pay reviewers for detailed, honest critiques. This option offers steady opportunities for freelance reviewers.
3. Become a Goodreads Reviewer – While not paid directly, high-profile reviewers on Goodreads get noticed by publishers and authors, leading to paid gigs or free ARCs (Advance Reader Copies).
4. Contribute to Literary Magazines – Many literary journals pay for book reviews, especially for new or niche genres. This can be a nice addition to your writing portfolio.
5. Join Affiliate Programs – Link books you review with affiliate programs like Amazon Associates to earn commissions on sales generated through your blog or social media.
With a little persistence, book reviewing and blogging can turn your reading habit into a rewarding income stream. Now, let’s explore some more interactive ways to get paid for your literary love.
2. Audiobook Narration and Voice Work
If you have a pleasant or versatile voice, audiobook narration offers a unique way to get paid to read books aloud. Audiobooks are booming, and narrators are in high demand.
This path requires some equipment and possibly training, but it’s incredibly rewarding to bring stories to life for listeners. Plus, you can often work from home on your own schedule.
Check out these options:
6. Become an Audiobook Narrator on ACX – ACX connects narrators with authors and publishers. You can audition for titles, and payment usually comes as a royalty share or per finished hour.
7. Offer Voiceover Services on Freelance Platforms – Websites like Fiverr or Voices.com allow you to market your narration skills for audiobooks, commercials, or educational material.
8. Create Your Own Audiobook Channel – Record and publish public domain books on YouTube or podcast platforms, monetizing with ads once you build an audience.
9. Join Local Theatre or Voice Acting Groups – Gain experience and connections that can lead to audiobook gigs and other voice work.
10. Volunteer to Narrate for Charity – Organizations like Learning Ally seek volunteers to read books aloud for people with print disabilities; while unpaid, this can build your skills and resume.
Voice work turns reading into a performance, offering a dynamic and fulfilling way to get paid. Next up: opportunities that blend reading with teaching and community engagement.
3. Teaching and Tutoring Using Books
Reading skills are fundamental, and many learners benefit from personalized tutoring or teaching that involves reading books. If you enjoy guiding others, this could be your ideal paid reading opportunity.
Whether it’s helping children develop literacy or supporting language learners, using books as teaching tools brings reading into a practical, income-generating role.
Here are some ways to get started:
11. Become an Online Reading Tutor – Platforms like VIPKid or Wyzant allow you to tutor students in reading and comprehension, often using books as the curriculum.
12. Lead Book Clubs or Reading Groups – Host paid virtual or local book clubs where you facilitate discussions, analyses, and learning through books.
13. Create Educational Reading Content – Develop lesson plans, study guides, or worksheets based on popular books, then sell them on Teachers Pay Teachers or similar sites.
14. Work as a Literacy Coach – Partner with schools or community centers to help struggling readers improve using targeted book-based strategies.
15. Teach English as a Second Language (ESL) with Books – Use graded readers and novels to teach vocabulary and comprehension to ESL students, either online or in person.
Teaching with books not only helps others but also deepens your own appreciation of literature. Ready for something tech-savvy? Let’s explore digital platforms that pay you to read.
4. Digital and App-Based Reading Jobs
The digital age has created innovative platforms that pay users to read books, articles, or summaries. These apps and websites often offer flexible, micro-task-style jobs perfect for casual readers.
Whether you want to make some extra cash during your commute or more regular income, these options let you get paid while enjoying your favorite pastime.
Here are some popular digital avenues:
16. Join BookScout – BookScout pays readers to find and share new book recommendations. You get paid per recommendation, perfect for avid readers with an eye for hits.
17. Work for Scribendi as a Proofreader – While not pure reading, this involves closely reading manuscripts and correcting errors, paying well for detail-oriented readers.
18. Use the App “Beagle” for Paid Reading – Beagle offers payment for reading books or summaries and answering quizzes, offering an engaging way to earn.
19. Participate in Online Book Contests – Some platforms pay readers to judge book contests, providing feedback that helps award prizes.
20. Read and Rate on Reedsy Discovery – Reedsy pays readers to review indie books, helping new authors gain exposure while you get rewarded.
Digital platforms make reading a convenient and fun way to earn money. Now, let’s look at opportunities linked to writing and editing that pay you to read.
5. Publishing, Editing, and Writing-Related Roles
If you enjoy reading critically and have strong language skills, jobs in publishing, editing, or writing can pay you to read manuscripts, provide feedback, or create content around books.
These roles often require some experience or credentials but can be deeply satisfying and lucrative for book lovers.
Here’s how you can get involved:
21. Become a Manuscript Editor or Proofreader – Freelance editing platforms like Upwork or Reedsy connect editors with authors needing manuscript reviews before publishing.
22. Work as a Beta Reader – Beta readers get early access to manuscripts to provide authors with feedback on story, pacing, and characters, sometimes for pay.
23. Write Book Summaries or Study Guides – Create concise summaries or analyses of popular books to sell on sites like Blinkist or to educational publishers.
24. Apply for Publishing Assistant Roles – Entry-level publishing jobs often involve reading and evaluating submissions, helping shape the next big bestseller.
25. Contribute to Literary Podcasts or YouTube Channels – Use your reading and analytical skills to create content that earns through sponsorships or ads.
Publishing and editorial roles blend passion and profession, offering a rewarding way to get paid to read books. With so many options, there’s truly something for every book lover.
Now that you’ve seen the variety of ways to get paid to read, it’s time to find the one that suits your style and start turning those pages into paychecks.
Whether you’re blogging, narrating, teaching, using apps, or editing, your love of books can be a gateway to income and fulfillment.
Give one (or more!) of these ideas a try, and watch your passion for reading open doors to exciting new opportunities.
