15 Good Ways to Get Paid to Read Books

Reading should activate passive, active, and applied reading processes to maximize comprehension and retention. With passive reading you’re simply acting as a collector of information. By itself it only leads to simple superficial understanding, while applying active reading is a step up and involves taking what you’ve read and curating the information so it can be taught and elaborated upon.

Lastly, applied reading connects new knowledge with existing neural networks inside your brain, fostering deep understanding and long-term retention. This is taking reading to the professional level. To earn income with your reading this is where you want to concentrate on getting to. If you want to learn more about increasing your reading comprehension and speed read this post I wrote called How to Absorb Books 3x Faster Using Actual Science.

If you’re passionate about reading and want to take your reading into the applied arena then you can easily turn your love for books into a side hustle. There are several legitimate ways to get paid for reading. I’ll start first with these 10 ways you can explore:

1. Kirkus Media: Kirkus Reviews is a respected source of book reviews. They often publish blurbs that appear on Amazon or book covers. You can apply to be a book reviewer for them. They currently seek reviewers for English and Spanish-language indie titles. Qualities they look for include experience, a keen eye, and the ability to write a 350-word review within two weeks¹.
2. Reedsy Discovery: Reedsy Discovery focuses on indie books and allows reviewers to read self-published books before they hit the market. You can browse through hundreds of new stories and select the ones that interest you. As a reviewer, you can also receive tips from readers who appreciate your reviews. Simply complete their form to become a book reviewer and start exploring the shelves¹.
3. Proofreading Gigs: Consider proofreading books. Authors often hire proofreaders to catch errors and improve the quality of their manuscripts. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer offer opportunities for freelance proofreading.
4. Book Blogging: Start a book blog or a book-related social media account. Share your thoughts on the books you read, recommend titles, and engage with other readers. Over time, you can monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or ads.
5. Women’s Review of Books: The Women’s Review of Books (Wellesley Centers for Women) is a print publication that pays people to review books, poetry, and more.
6. Become an Audiobook Narrator: If you have a pleasant voice, consider narrating audiobooks. Platforms like ACX (Audible’s Audiobook Creation Exchange) allow you to audition for narration gigs.
7. Join Online Book Clubs: Some book clubs pay members to read and discuss books. Look for book clubs that compensate participants or offer free books in exchange for reviews.
8. Freelance Book Reviewing: Many websites and magazines beyond the ones I’ve listed in this post pay freelancers to write book reviews. Pitch your services to online publications or local newspapers.
9. Library or School Reading Programs: Some libraries or schools hire reading specialists to evaluate and recommend books for their collections. Check if there are any job openings in your local educational institutions.
10. BookBrowse: On BookBrowse, you can apply to become a book reviewer. You may get paid to read books in several genres such as young adult, nonfiction, adult fiction, graphic novels, and fiction. BookBrowse book reviewers typically write about one book review a month for this website.

Remember that while getting paid to read sounds delightful, it’s essential to maintain your genuine love for books. When you begin to take reading away from just being a hobby and putting it into the applied category then it’s easy to lose the joy of it. Choose opportunities that align with your interests and allow you to share your passion with others! 📚💰

What are some other ways to monetize my love for books?

If you want to explore more ways to monetize your love for reading, here are 5 additional avenues:

1. Bookstagram: If you enjoy photography and books, consider creating a Bookstagram account on Instagram. Showcase aesthetically pleasing book photos, write reviews, and engage with fellow book lovers. Over time, you can monetize your Bookstagram through the following strategies:

• Collaborations and Sponsored Content: Partner with authors, publishers, or brands relevant to your niche. Promote their products or services to your engaged audience. Collaborations can range from book reviews and recommendations to sponsored posts and giveaways².

2. Proofreading and Editing: Authors often hire proofreaders to catch errors and improve the quality of their manuscripts. You can also explore freelance editing opportunities. Proofreaders can make around $20/hour, while book editors can earn up to $130,000 a year (though the latter often requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree).

3. Professional Reader Jobs: Believe it or not, professional reader jobs exist! These roles allow you to make money while indulging in your favorite reading spot. Here are some options:

• Book Reviewing: Many websites, magazines, and newspapers pay freelancers to write book reviews. Pitch your services to online publications or local media outlets.
• Narrating Audiobooks: If you have a pleasant voice, consider becoming an audiobook narrator. Platforms like ACX (Audible’s Audiobook Creation Exchange) allow you to audition for narration gigs.

4. Start a book review blog and earn affiliate income:
With a book review blog, you would be reviewing books that are of interest to you or related to your blog topic. This can be a great way to learn how to earn money by reading books online.

Readers will want to hear your honest review in your blog posts.

Then, you could make money in many ways, including by placing affiliate links to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online stores for the books you’re reading. Some bloggers may share their thoughts about books they’ve read, host online discussions, or use books to help readers with different topics.

5. Book Translation: If you’re bilingual, explore translating books from one language to another. Translators are in demand, especially for popular titles.

Conclusion:

Remember to choose opportunities that align with your interests and allow you to share your passion for books while earning some extra income! If you want tips on learning to read faster then checkout this post entitled How to Feel More In Control of Your Time. It’s not just about time management but includes proven techniques on how to read faster and comprehend better.📚💰