Are you a book lover who dreams of getting paid to indulge in your favorite pastime? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the exciting world of earning money by reading books online.
Whether you’re a seasoned book reviewer or just starting out, there are numerous legitimate opportunities waiting for you. From established platforms like Online Book Club and Kirkus Reviews to freelance options on UpWork and The US Review of Books, there’s something for everyone.
So, ready to turn your love for reading into a lucrative side hustle or full-time career? Let’s dive in!
Become a Book Reviewer To Earn Cash
Book reviewing is a fantastic way to earn extra money online. By sharing your thoughts and opinions on the essential books you read, you can provide a valuable paid service to both authors and readers alike.
Authors gain constructive feedback to improve their work, while readers get insights that help them decide which books to pick up next.
To become a book reviewer like no other, you need more than just proper reviewing skills and a flawless understanding of literature. You also need to select a reliable platform that pays promptly and fairly.
Fortunately, the Internet is brimming with such online solutions. For your convenience, here are some of the most highly-rated ones.
Online Book Club
At OnlineBookClub, you’ll find an easy way to earn money by reading and reviewing books without needing previous experience.
As one of the best ways to get paid for reading books, OnlineBookClub doesn’t require you to submit an application or have previously published book review samples. This means it’s open to beginners and doesn’t discriminate against those still finding their footing in book reviewing.
You’ll be given a list of books to choose from, and once you’ve made your choice, the book is sent to you for free, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
The process of reviewing a book on this platform is simple and straightforward. Your first review won’t earn you cash, but the subsequent ones will, with pay ranging from $5 to $60. So, the more books you read and review as part of your side gig, the more you earn. It’s an opportunity to turn your love for books into a lucrative side venture.
Kirkus Reviews
Known for its high standards, Kirkus Reviews offers an opportunity to get paid to write reviews, specifically through Kirkus Indie, a segment dedicated to self-published authors.
To have Kirkus Reviews pay you to read books, you must submit a resume, writing samples, and a list of your reviewing specialties. It’s a competitive space, so your previous experience and the quality of your reviews can significantly boost your chances.
| Step | Action | Result |
| 1 | Submit Resume | Show your qualifications |
| 2 | Provide Writing Samples | Demonstrate your review skills |
| 3 | List Reviewing Specialties | Showcase your book knowledge |
| 4 | Await Selection | Possible acceptance as a reviewer |
| 5 | Start Reviewing | Earn money |
Upwork
Compared to Kirkus Reviews, Upwork presents a broader range of opportunities in the freelance writing sector, including book reviewing gigs. On a marketplace like Upwork (or Fiverr), you have the flexibility to choose your projects and control your workload, making it a dynamic platform for those who are passionate about reading books and writing reviews.
Here’s how you can start:
- Create a Freelancer Account: Set up a profile detailing your skills, experience, and a portfolio showcasing your work.
- Search for Jobs: Look for book reviewing opportunities. Remember, the more specific your search, the better your chances of finding the right gig.
- Submit Proposals: When you find books you want to review or jobs that interest you, send your proposal. Make sure it’s compelling and shows why you’re the best fit for the job.
Once a client wants to hire you, they’ll send a contract. Upwork provides numerous ways you may get paid, making it ideal for those seeking a steady income stream. So, if you’re looking to make a living by reading books and freelancing, consider getting started on Upwork.
The US Review of Books
The US Review of Books could be your perfect match if you’re looking for another platform to earn money from book reviewing. Through their monthly newsletter, they help authors, especially self-published authors, spread the word about their latest titles. And you can be part of this process.
In exchange for your insights, they offer free books to review. The expectation is a critique of 250-300 words, providing a short plot synopsis and your insights. Remember, they value heartfelt and concise writing, so avoid first-person language and focus on delivering an engaging review that compares similar works, offers opinions, or delves into the author’s experience and previous titles.
You’re able to choose your preferred titles from many books provided, adding a personal touch to your work. Once assigned, you have two to three weeks to submit your review. This offers flexibility, making it a great option when considering how to earn money by reading books online.
Reviewing Isn’t the Only Way To Get Paid To Read Books
While writing book reviews is a fantastic way to earn cash, it’s not the only way for readers to monetize their passion. There are other avenues you can explore that can equally bring in some extra income.
Let’s take a look at some of the most profitable alternatives awaiting book lovers!
Publishing Copy Editor or Proofreader
As a copy editor, your job will involve meticulous editing of book manuscripts to ensure they are error-free and ready for publishing. You’ll be looking out for typographical errors and grammatical mistakes and checking the story’s flow, structure, and overall coherence.
On the other hand, as a proofreader, your primary role is to comb through the final draft of a book before it’s published. Once you read a book, you’ll be tasked with spotting any overlooked errors or inconsistencies that might have slipped past the copy editor.
Both roles are essential in the publishing process and can be a good fit if you have an eagle eye for detail. Plus, if you’re familiar with different writing styles and genres, that’s an added advantage!
The money you can earn is also quite impressive. Depending on the publisher and the complexity of the work, you might earn a lot – some companies pay as much as $96000 per year!
Publishing Acquisitions Editor
The role of the Publishing Acquisitions Editor involves reading manuscripts from traditionally published and self-published authors and recommending which to publish. It’s not just a way to get paid to read books for free- with this job, you’re bound to shape entire libraries!
As an Acquisitions Editor, you might focus on the indie section, discovering hidden gems among the self-published authors. Some companies pay up to $85,000 annually, so it’s a substantial income stream that goes beyond making money on the side.
Literary Translator
If you’re seeking another avenue to monetize your love for books, becoming a Literary Translator could be a promising and profitable option for you. This role involves translating books from both traditionally published and self-published authors into different languages.
Here are three steps to get started:
- Enhance your language skills: You’ll need a strong command of at least two languages, including the nuances and cultural contexts.
- Understand the literature: Translating isn’t a word-for-word process. You must maintain the original tone and context.
- Build a portfolio: Start by offering to translate free books. This builds experience and credibility.
As a literary translator, you won’t just earn money by reading books online – you’ll also contribute to global literary diversity.
Audiobook Narrator
One exciting way to earn money by reading books online is by becoming an audiobook narrator. Audiobooks are in high demand, and if you possess strong voice-acting skills, you could get paid around $500 per finished hour.
As an audiobook narrator, your task is to read books out loud, bringing stories and characters to life. No matter if you work for some local company or for Audible, the process is quite time-consuming and you might have to go through regular auditions.
You could make money reading books from home if you have the right equipment, or you might need to be in a recording studio. Remember, ‘finished hour’ means the length of the final audio files, not your time spent on preparation, rehearsal, and recording. So, consider your salary carefully when becoming a book narrator.
Conclusion
The internet offers ample opportunities if you’re a book lover seeking to monetize your passion for reading.
From book reviewing on platforms like OnlineBookClub, Kirkus Reviews, UpWork, and The US Review of Books, to roles like copy editors, proofreaders, acquisitions editors, literary translators, and audiobook narrators – there’s a profitable avenue for every bibliophile.
Remember, these roles require not only a love for reading but also dedication, skill, and sometimes experience. So, it’s important to hone your abilities and persistently seek the right opportunity for you.
The world of earning money by reading books online is vast and exciting. With patience and persistence, you can turn your favorite pastime into a lucrative career or side hustle. Dive in today and start getting paid for doing what you love!
