Do you love books and dream of turning that passion into extra income?
Good news! It’s actually possible to get paid for reading!
Here are 35 ways to get paid and start earning today.
1. Proofread Books for Errors
If you have an eye for detail and strong grammar skills, consider proofreading.
Proofreaders read manuscripts to catch spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes before publication.
Many indie authors and publishers hire freelance proofreaders. You can find gigs on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Typical pay ranges from $15–$30 per hour for proofreading work.
Over time, experienced proofreaders can even earn a full-time income (the median salary is about $50k–$65k per year in the U.S.).
This is a flexible job you can do from home, making it perfect for a side income.
2. Edit Manuscripts as a Freelance Editor
Editing goes a step beyond proofreading. As an editor, you’ll read book drafts and suggest improvements to the writing style, clarity, and structure.
You might help rewrite awkward sentences, check facts, or give feedback on the story flow.
Strong language skills and an understanding of storytelling are key.
Editors often have higher earning potential than proofreaders – in the U.S., an editor’s average salary is around $73,000 per year.
You can offer editing services on freelance job sites or network with self-publishing authors. It’s a great way to get paid to read and polish books.
3. Become a Beta Reader for Authors
Many authors seek “beta readers” to read early drafts of their books and provide feedback.
Beta readers focus on the overall story, like pointing out plot holes, character issues, or parts that were confusing or boring.
This helps authors improve the book before publishing. Beta reading is often a paid gig, though usually less than formal editing.
Some authors pay a flat fee or an hourly rate (often around $10–$20 per hour for beta reading).
You can find opportunities in online writing communities, Facebook groups, or by offering your services on Fiverr.
It’s a fun side hustle if you enjoy giving constructive feedback on novels.
4. Do Sensitivity Reading for Publishers
Sensitivity readers are paid to read manuscripts and flag any problematic or culturally insensitive content.
If you have personal experience with a particular culture, identity, or life experience, you can use that knowledge to help authors avoid stereotypes or inaccuracies.
For example, an author writing a character of a certain ethnicity might hire a sensitivity reader from that background.
This work requires careful reading and tactful feedback. It can pay quite well – often $250–$500 per book manuscript for a thorough sensitivity read.
Publishers and authors will value your insight to ensure their book is respectful and accurate about the topics it portrays.
5. Provide Book Indexing Services
Have you noticed the index at the back of non-fiction books? Someone has to create that!
Book indexers read through a book and compile an alphabetical index of important terms and topics with page references.
It’s detail-oriented work that requires patience and good organization.
Many nonfiction authors hire freelance indexers if they don’t want to do it themselves.
Indexers are usually paid per page indexed, typically around $2–$5 per page, which works out to a few hundred dollars for an average book.
If you enjoy analytical reading and categorizing information, indexing is a unique way to get paid for reading a book closely.
6. Narrate Audiobooks (Read Aloud)
Do you love reading books out loud? Audiobook narration could be a perfect gig.
As an audiobook narrator, you perform the book by reading it into a microphone and recording the audio.
It’s a bit like voice acting as you need clear speech and the ability to convey characters’ emotions.
Narrators often find work through platforms like ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), which connects freelancers with authors.
Pay can be per finished hour of audio or a share of royalties.
Professional narrators might earn roughly $100–$500 per finished hour of audiobook audio.
For example, a 10-hour audiobook could pay around $1,000–$5,000.
Keep in mind that it takes several hours of recording and editing to produce one finished hour.
This side hustle requires some equipment (a quality microphone and a quiet space), but can become quite lucrative once you gain experience.
7. Translate Books into Another Language
If you’re bilingual or fluent in another language, consider translating books.
Translators get paid to read books in one language and rewrite them in another. This is in high demand, as authors want to reach new markets.
You could translate novels, nonfiction, or even children’s books. Translation work is typically paid per word or per project.
For example, literary translators might earn about $0.10 per word (it can range from $0.08 up to $0.25 per word).
That means translating an entire novel can pay several thousand dollars – often $5,000–$20,000 for a full book.
It’s a skilled job, and you need excellent writing abilities in both languages and an understanding of cultural nuances.
Many translators freelance or work with publishing agencies that specialize in translated literature.
8. Start a Book Blog
Do you enjoy sharing your opinions on books? Starting a book blog could turn your reading hobby into earnings.
As a book blogger, you can post book reviews, reading lists, or literary articles on your own website.
Once you build an audience, you can make money through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links (for example, earning a small commission when someone buys a book you recommended through your link).
It takes time to grow a blog, but it can become a steady side income.
Some book bloggers eventually earn a few hundred dollars a month, and top book blogs can even make over $1,000 a month from advertising and referrals.
For instance, independent bloggers might start around $200 per month but can potentially reach $15,000 per month at the high end.
The key is to produce engaging content and attract fellow book lovers to your site.
9. Create Book Content on TikTok or Instagram (BookTok)
BookTok and Bookstagram are huge trends because these are communities on TikTok and Instagram devoted to books.
You can make short videos or posts about the books you read, such as quick reviews, reactions, or funny skits about reader life.
As you grow a following, there are ways to monetize your content.
Popular book influencers often get paid by publishers or authors to feature books (always give honest opinions to keep trust with your audience).
You can also earn money through affiliate links or brand sponsorships.
It may start slow, but some BookTok creators have made impressive income once popular.
In fact, one BookTokker reported charging up to £8,000 for two promotional videos (about $10,000 USD) when they had a large following.
While that level is exceptional, it shows the potential.
Being a book influencer is a fun way to get creative and possibly get paid just for talking about the novels you love.
10. Start a Book Review Channel on YouTube (BookTube)
If you prefer longer-form content, try BookTube – the book community on YouTube.
You can start a channel where you post book reviews, comparisons, summaries, or discussions.
Many readers turn to YouTube to decide what to read next or to hear analyses of their favorite stories.
YouTube channels can be monetized with ad revenue once you meet certain viewership criteria.
You might also get sponsorships from publishers or audiobook companies.
For example, some channels summarize books and gain tens of thousands of subscribers, earning money from ads as the views grow.
One popular channel, Four Minute Books, attracted over 50,000 subscribers with quick book summary videos.
As your channel grows, you could earn a part-time income or more.
The key is consistency and engaging content, and of course, a genuine love for reading that comes across on camera.
11. Launch a Book Discussion Podcast
Podcasting is another medium to share your love of books and make money.
A book-themed podcast could involve reviewing books, discussing themes and characters, interviewing authors, or hosting a book club-style chat.
For instance, you might release a weekly episode where you and a co-host talk about a novel you both read.
Podcasts can generate income through sponsorships, ads, or listener support (like Patreon).
While it can take time to build an audience, the format is very flexible, and you can record from home and talk about any genre you enjoy.
Over time, a successful book podcast can attract paying sponsors (such as audiobook services or publishing companies) once you have a loyal listener base.
If you love chatting about books in depth, this is a creative way to do it and potentially get paid.
12. Host Virtual Book Clubs or Reading Classes
You can earn money by bringing readers together. One way is to host a virtual book club with a fee or subscription.
For example, you might organize a monthly book discussion on Zoom that members pay to join, especially if you provide guided discussion questions or special author Q&As.
Another avenue is teaching reading classes online.
Platforms like Outschool let you create live, online classes for kids or teens – some enterprising readers have run weekly book clubs for children and earned significant money.
One teacher hosted a kids’ reading club for a popular graphic novel series and had over 3,000 students enroll, allowing her to make about $98 per hour when classes were full.
Whether your audience is kids or adults, people are willing to pay for an engaging, community reading experience led by a passionate book lover.
It’s a rewarding way to share stories and get compensated for it.
13. Republish Public Domain Books
Did you know you can make money from classic books that are out of copyright? In the U.S., works published before 1928 are in the public domain, meaning anyone can republish them legally.
Some savvy entrepreneurs have taken old classics and created new e-book or print editions for sale.
The idea is you find a public domain book (for example, a novel from the 19th century), format it nicely for Amazon Kindle or print-on-demand, and design a new cover.
When readers buy your edition, you earn royalties.
This requires careful reading (to ensure formatting is correct and no errors), but it can become passive income after the initial work.
People have earned substantial money this way – for instance, one person reportedly made over $110,000 in royalties by publishing public domain books like Anne of Green Gables on Amazon.
It helps to choose works that still have audience appeal and to create a quality edition. This method turns your reading of classics into a clever business.
14. Become a Book Coach or Consultant
Some writers need more than just proofreading, but they want guidance on how to develop their book or get it published.
If you have experience in writing or publishing, you could work as a book coach or consultant.
In this role, you might read an author’s manuscript or book idea and provide big-picture advice, sort of like a mentor.
Book coaches help with things like plot development, organization, or even the steps to self-publish.
This is often done on a freelance basis, and you can set your own rates (some book coaches charge hourly consulting fees or package rates for a project).
As evidence of demand, even job boards like FlexJobs sometimes list positions for “book coaches” in the publishing industry.
To succeed, you should be well-read in the genre and knowledgeable about what makes a book successful.
It’s a fulfilling way to get paid for reading drafts and using your expertise to help other writers.
15. Become a Literary Agent
Literary agents make a living reading books – specifically, unpublished manuscripts.
An agent’s job is to discover talented authors and connect them with publishers.
You’d spend a lot of time reading query letters and sample chapters, and if something catches your interest, you’d read the full manuscript to decide if it’s marketable.
Agents then pitch those manuscripts to publishing houses and negotiate deals.
This is more of a career than a side gig, but it starts with loving books and spotting great stories.
There’s no strict education requirement (though many agents have a background in English or publishing).
As an agent, you typically earn a commission (around 15%) on the advances and royalties of the book deals you broker.
Income varies, but in general, U.S. literary agents average about $78,000 per year.
If you have a knack for recognizing good books and advocating for them, being an agent lets you read for a living while helping authors succeed.
16. Work as a Book Scout
A book scout is the opposite of a literary agent because instead of working with authors, scouts work with publishers (or even film studios) to find books worth acquiring.
Publishers, especially overseas or in film, rely on scouts to tip them off about promising new books that could be hits or good movie material.
As a book scout, you’d read tons of newly released or upcoming books, often from foreign markets, and write reports or recommendations.
It’s a fascinating job for an avid reader who’s always on the lookout for the next big thing.
Book scouts usually work for agencies or publishers and often need a background in literature or publishing.
The pay can be modest, especially when starting out – an average around $27,000 annually is reported for book scouts – but the job can come with exciting influence in the publishing world.
It’s one more career where your keen reading eye is the main asset.
17. Work as an Acquisitions Editor (Publisher’s Reader)
Acquisitions editors are the professionals at publishing companies who decide which books to publish.
They read manuscript submissions (the “slush pile” of book proposals from authors or agents) and pick out the gems worth investing in.
This means you get paid to read a lot of book proposals and sample chapters, and when something stands out, you champion it within the company.
Acquisitions editors often also work with authors on revisions once a book is accepted.
It’s typically a full-time job at a publisher and may require a relevant degree (like English or Journalism) plus experience in the industry.
Salaries vary widely depending on the publisher’s size and location.
For example, junior editors at small presses might earn entry-level pay, while senior editors at big publishers can make a comfortable salary.
Publishing editors can range from around $35k up to six figures for top roles.
It’s a competitive field, but if you love discovering new books and have a nose for what readers want, this is a way to literally get paid to read for a living.
18. Become a Librarian
Being a librarian is a classic career for book lovers.
While the job involves more than just reading at a desk, librarians do spend a lot of time with books – curating collections, recommending titles to patrons, and staying up-to-date on literature.
As a librarian, you might read books to plan events (like storytime for kids) or to advise readers’ advisory (helping someone find their next read).
Most librarian positions require a degree in Library Science, but there are also library assistant roles that might not.
Librarians are paid professionals; in the U.S., the average librarian earns about $61,660 per year.
The work also includes organizing materials, cataloging, and helping library visitors, but your passion for reading will be valuable every day.
This is more of a full-time vocation than a side hustle, but it’s definitely a way to be surrounded by books and get paid.
19. Sell Books as a Bookseller
Another way to turn reading into income is by working in the book retail world.
This could mean getting a job at a bookstore or even starting your own online book-selling business.
As a bookseller, you’ll be reading books (or at least summaries and reviews) to know what to recommend to customers.
In a bookstore job, you might get to borrow advance copies or read on breaks to expand your knowledge.
The pay for bookstore employees can be modest – for example, a bookseller working at a large retail chain in the U.S. makes around $32,000 a year on average, but many do it for the love of books.
Alternatively, you could scout for valuable used books at thrift stores or yard sales and resell them online for profit.
Some entrepreneurial readers hunt for first editions or in-demand secondhand books and make a nice side income reselling on Amazon or eBay.
Either path, you’re leveraging your book knowledge to earn money and staying immersed in the book world.
20. Review Books for Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews is a well-known publication that hires freelancers to write book reviews.
Getting accepted as a Kirkus reviewer is competitive, but it’s a legit way to get paid for reading books (often pre-release copies).
Kirkus especially needs reviewers for their indie book section.
Reviewers are typically given a book to read and about two weeks to write a concise, 350-word review.
The pay is around $50 per review, up to $75 if your review is very well-written.
Kirkus doesn’t publish your name with the review, but it’s a good gig for experience (and you get to read lots of new books for free).
To apply, you need a strong writing sample in the style of a book review. Many of the books you’d review are self-published titles across all genres.
It’s a side hustle that could net you a few hundred dollars a month if you consistently take on assignments – not huge money, but you’ll be literally paid to read and critique books.
21. Write Reviews for The US Review of Books
The US Review of Books is another outlet that pays freelance book reviewers.
They focus on helping new authors get honest reviews for promotional purposes.
As a reviewer for US Review, you’d typically write a 250–300-word review for each assigned book.
The pay ranges from about $25 to $75 per review, depending on the book length and turnaround time.
Like other professional review sites, you have to apply by sending a resume, writing samples, and references.
They give you a few weeks to finish a book and submit your review.
While the pay per book isn’t high, it’s steady work you can do from home, and it can be a stepping stone to more opportunities.
Plus, you’ll get free books in genres you enjoy. Many reviewers use sites like this to build their portfolio.
22. Get Paid on Online Book Club
Online Book Club (onlinebookclub.org) is a popular website that pays readers for writing book reviews.
It’s more accessible for beginners than Kirkus or US Review.
Here’s how it works: you sign up on their site, choose from a selection of books (often indie titles), and you get a free copy of the book.
After reading, you submit a review according to their guidelines.
Online Book Club will pay you for each approved review, usually starting at a modest amount and increasing as you establish yourself.
The range is roughly $5 to $60 per review at the highest levels.
New reviewers often have to do one review for free (for the free book) to prove themselves, and then they become eligible for paid assignments.
It’s not a full-time income, but it’s a fun way to make a bit of extra cash for sharing your honest opinion.
If you’re going to be reading anyway, why not get a few dollars for it?
Just remember to write quality, thoughtful reviews because the platform values honesty (not just praise) and will only pay for reviews that meet their standards.
23. Freelance Book Reviewing on Upwork or Fiverr
You don’t have to rely only on established review sites, but you can offer book reviewing services directly as a freelancer.
Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have freelance reviewers whom authors hire to get feedback or marketing reviews for their books.
For example, on Upwork, book reviewers are charging $35–$60 per hour and completing hundreds of jobs.
As a freelance reviewer, you might be asked to read a novel and write a review or reader report.
Some clients want a review to post on their book’s Amazon page or editorial feedback to improve their writing.
If you present yourself professionally and have some review samples, you can attract authors willing to pay for your time.
Always be transparent about your services and follow the platform rules (for instance, Amazon has guidelines on reviews, so ensure any paid review is within ethical boundaries – e.g., it might be used for feedback or editorial purposes rather than a fake customer review).
Freelance reviewing lets you set your rates and choose projects in your favorite genres, making it a flexible way to earn by reading.
24. Earn Tips on Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy Discovery is a platform where avid readers can become book reviewers and build a following.
It works a bit differently: reviewers post their reviews on the site for a community of readers, and those readers can send “tips” if they liked your review.
When you sign up as a Reedsy Discovery reviewer, you get free access to new indie books to review, and you publish your reviews online.
Readers of the site can then tip you $1, $3, or $5 as appreciation.
The tips for any single book review might be small, but if your reviews are popular, multiple readers could tip you, adding up over time.
Some reviewers make decent side money each month from cumulative tips. You also gain exposure – authors and publishers might notice your work.
To apply, Reedsy asks about your favorite genres, how many books you read, and for some sample reviews.
This platform is ideal if you love discovering new indie books and want to get paid in tips for sharing your opinions.
It likely won’t be huge earnings, but it’s enjoyable and you’re among the first to read fresh titles.
25. Join the Amazon Influencer Program (for Book Reviews)
Amazon’s Influencer Program offers a creative way to earn commissions by reviewing products, and that includes books.
If you have any social media presence (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.), you can apply to the Amazon Influencer Program.
Once accepted, you can create short video reviews of books (or other products), and those videos can appear on Amazon’s product pages.
When shoppers watch your video and then purchase the book, you earn a small commission on the sale.
It’s essentially affiliate marketing through video content.
The commission is usually a few percent of the sale, not huge per item, but it can add up if your videos get views.
Some people have done very well with this: for example, one influencer reported making over $2,000 per month by reviewing Amazon products (including books).
Even the author of that report made about $1,000 in his first year. To get started, you’ll need to apply through Amazon with your social media accounts.
There’s no strict follower minimum stated, but they do evaluate your content.
If you enjoy talking about books on video, this is a straightforward way to monetize it.
You could do quick book summaries, your take on the story, or who would enjoy it – keep the videos honest and informative to build trust with viewers.
26. Write Summaries for Book Summary Services (Blinkist, getAbstract)
Busy professionals often rely on book summary services to get the key ideas from nonfiction books quickly.
Companies like Blinkist, getAbstract, Shortform, or Four Minute Books hire writers to read books and distill them into concise summaries or executive briefs.
If you’re good at understanding complex material and explaining it clearly, this can be a lucrative reading gig.
Summary writers usually focus on nonfiction genres like business, self-help, history, or science.
The pay can vary by company and length of summary, but typically it’s in the ballpark of $50 to $200 per summary.
For example, getAbstract is known to pay per summary (rates can be a few hundred dollars each, depending on complexity).
You’ll need strong writing skills to capture the book’s main points in a clear, engaging way.
To find these opportunities, check the career pages of summary service websites or look for contract writing positions.
This is a fantastic way to get paid to read books and summarize them, especially if you enjoy nonfiction and learning new things from every book.
27. Review Books on eBookFairs
eBookFairs is an online platform that connects readers with self-published authors for reviews.
It’s somewhat similar to Online Book Club in that you get books to read and review in exchange for payment.
With eBookFairs’ Paid Reader Program, you start by reading two books for free (to show your reviewing ability).
After that, they pay about $10 per review, up to a limit (currently, you can earn up to $50 total on the platform).
It’s a smaller-scale opportunity – not a full-time job by any means, but an easy way for an avid reader to pick up a few extra dollars and free books.
The reviews typically need to be posted on places like Goodreads, your blog, or an online book club after you write them.
eBookFairs is a relatively new player, so assignments might not be continuous.
Still, it’s worth exploring if you are looking for beginner-friendly paid review gigs and don’t mind the modest payout.
It can also help you gather verified review samples, which you could leverage for bigger opportunities later.
28. Become a Publishers Weekly Reviewer
Publishers Weekly (PW) is a prestigious industry magazine that reviews books (mostly traditionally published titles).
They do accept freelance reviewers for various genres.
Writing for PW is a great resume booster, though the pay per review is modest, roughly $25 per review of about 200 words.
Reviewers can often choose how many books to take on based on their schedule.
The upside is flexibility and the chance to read upcoming books from major publishers.
However, PW is selective; they typically want experienced writers or subject matter experts.
You’ll need to send a solid resume and a sample review to apply.
Keep in mind, PW reviews are published without your name (no byline), so you do it more for the experience and connections.
Some reviewers also get opportunities to write longer features (which pay more) after proving themselves.
If you want to immerse yourself in the publishing world and get paid to read some of the buzziest new books, PW is worth aiming for.
Just know it’s competitive – but seeing your review of a book in a magazine read by librarians and booksellers worldwide can be its own reward (along with that $25).
29. Write Reviews for BookBrowse
BookBrowse is an online magazine for book lovers that publishes in-depth reviews and articles.
They have a reviewers program and pay their freelance reviewers an average of about $60 per review.
BookBrowse’s reviews are longer (around 600–1,000 words) and are more like literary criticism as they often also include a supplemental article about some aspect of the book’s content.
This means you’ll be doing a deep read and possibly a bit of research.
BookBrowse looks for high-quality writers; they mention that they accept less than 1% of applicants to be reviewers, so you’ll need to provide excellent writing samples.
If you do get in, you’ll be reading books in genres that BookBrowse covers (literary fiction, nonfiction, etc.) and writing thoughtful analyses.
It’s a bit of work, but you’ll get paid for reading and analyzing books at a higher rate per review than many other sites.
Plus, they publish your name with your review, so you get a byline, which can help build your reputation as a reviewer.
30. Contribute Reviews to Booklist
Booklist is a book review magazine published by the American Library Association, geared toward librarians. They also use freelance reviewers.
Booklist’s reviews are very short (around 150–175 words) and focused on whether a book is a good purchase for libraries.
The pay is about $15 per review for these capsule reviews.
While that’s not a lot, Booklist does give you a byline (your name appears with the review), which is valuable experience.
One interesting aspect: if you start reviewing for Booklist, they may begin you as an “apprentice” – you prove reliability and skill, then get more autonomy.
They also reportedly pay a small $5 kill fee if a book is assigned but you choose not to review it after reading (so you still get a token payment for your time).
Writing for Booklist could be a good side activity if you want to read a lot of books and keep your writing concise.
Since the pay per review is low, most people do it for the love of books and the professional credit.
It’s especially relevant if you have a library science background or just enjoy genres that libraries stock heavily (like YA, mystery, etc.). It’s another notch in your “paid reader” belt.
31. Freelance Writing About Books (Articles and Lists)
You can also get paid to read books indirectly by writing about them for various websites and magazines.
Many online publications (like book blogs, literary websites, or even mainstream sites) pay freelancers to contribute book-related content.
This isn’t exactly writing formal “reviews” – it could be listicles (e.g. “10 Best Mystery Books to Read This Winter”), essays about literature, author interviews, or reading guides.
For example, sites like Book Riot, LitCharts, or BuzzFeed Books sometimes hire writers for book lists and articles.
To do this well (and maintain credibility), you’ll need to actually read or be familiar with the books you’re writing about.
The pay can vary widely, as some outlets pay per article (anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on length and the site’s budget).
Writing for these sites is a great way to monetize your reading hobby because you can pitch topics that involve books you’ve read.
As you build a portfolio, you might also write for print magazines or newspapers’ book sections.
While this route is more about writing than just reading, your extensive reading becomes research that you’re getting paid to use.
Essentially, you’re leveraging your book knowledge to create content that others want to read, and getting paid by the publisher of that content.
32. Create and Sell Book Study Guides or Lesson Plans
If you’re the kind of reader who loves analyzing stories, you could turn that skill into income by creating study guides or educational materials for books.
Teachers and students are often looking for summaries, analysis, or lesson resources for literature (think along the lines of SparkNotes or CliffsNotes, but on a smaller scale).
You can write chapter-by-chapter study guides, discussion questions, or thematic lesson plans for popular novels and sell them online.
Websites like TeachersPayTeachers allow you to sell digital downloads of your guides to educators.
For example, you might write a comprehensive guide to To Kill a Mockingbird or a creative workbook for a young adult novel.
If you price it at, say, $10 and many teachers download it, that’s income derived from a book you read deeply.
Another avenue is contributing to established study guide publishers, as some websites pay freelance writers to develop literature study content (for instance, GradeSaver or eNotes have paid contributors in the past).
The earnings will depend on how many guides you create and how in-demand they are.
This is a nice side project for people who enjoy dissecting themes and symbolism in books.
You’re essentially paid to read and explain books for others.
It adds value for students and saves teachers time, so they’re happy to pay for high-quality guides.
33. Review Audiobooks for AudioFile Magazine
If you’re an audiobook enthusiast, you can get paid to listen to books and review them for AudioFile Magazine. AudioFile is a publication devoted to audiobook reviews.
They hire freelancers to review audiobooks, which involves assessing both the story and the narration quality.
Reviews are short (about 100 words each) and focus on the listening experience.
AudioFile typically assigns a couple of audiobooks to a reviewer each month.
The pay is $10 per review. That might sound low, but remember the reviews are brief – and you get the audiobooks for free.
The benefit for a budding reviewer is that AudioFile will publish your initials (if not your full name) with the review, and you’ll gain experience in a niche field.
To do well, you need to talk about the narrator’s performance, production quality, and how the audio format adds to or detracts from the story.
It’s a different angle from reading print books, but if you prefer listening, this is a cool way to monetize your audiobook habit.
Plus, it could open doors to other opportunities (some AudioFile reviewers go on to be judges for audiobook awards or work in audio publishing).
34. Sign Up as a Reviewer on AnySubject
AnySubject.com is a platform that connects authors (often self-published) with freelance book reviewers.
It’s another website where you can apply to read books and get paid for writing detailed reviews.
Reviewers for AnySubject typically write comprehensive critiques (around 500–700 words) covering various aspects of the book.
The pay advertised is in the ballpark of $50 to $100 per book review, depending on the book’s length and the depth of analysis required.
Once you’re accepted as a reviewer on the site, you’ll get matched with book assignments in your preferred genres.
You read the provided e-book and submit your review by the deadline. After the review is approved, you get paid.
This can be a neat side hustle if you have a strong background in writing or literature, since they do look for quality feedback.
It’s also remote and flexible. Keep in mind that the availability of assignments might vary, and the selection process is competitive (they look for reviewers with good credentials or writing samples).
But if you get in, AnySubject provides a steady way to earn money per book you read, especially for those who prefer more analytical and detailed reviewing.
35. Write Book Blurbs and Descriptions for Publishers
Finally, consider the niche but interesting role of writing book blurbs, cover copy, or summaries for publishers and authors.
When you pick up a book, the description on the back or the inside jacket – someone had to write that, and it usually requires reading the book first.
Authors and publishing houses sometimes hire freelancers or copywriters to read a manuscript and then craft the enticing blurb that will hook readers.
This is part marketing, part creative summarizing.
If you have a talent for capturing a story’s essence in a few paragraphs (without spoilers!), this could be a paid gig.
You might find these opportunities by networking with indie authors or through publishing job boards.
Additionally, services like writing synopses for query packages or book proposals also fall under this umbrella.
While not always advertised as a standalone job, you can offer it as a service.
For example, an author might pay you a flat fee to read their novel and write a compelling description for Amazon or a query synopsis for agents.
The pay can vary as some freelancers charge anywhere from $50 to $300 for a well-crafted blurb or synopsis, depending on length and complexity.
It’s a great way to get paid for essentially reading a book and then using your writing skills to help present that book to the world.
Plus, you’ll get to read a story and distill its highlights – a fun challenge for any avid reader!