How to Get Paid to Read: 13 Ways to Turn Your Hobby Into Income

June 30, 2024

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Have you ever thought it would be impossible to get paid to read books but wished you could? It’s true, believe it or not!

This is an excellent way to make money if you’re the type of person who always finds yourself staying up late to complete the last few chapters of a book, curling up on the couch with a new book, or listening to audiobooks nonstop.

We have you covered whether you want to start out small by writing brief reviews, go further with blog-length evaluations, or decide to proofread or buy books for a living.

8 Best Ways to Get Paid to Read Books

There are ways to get paid to read books across various genres and subjects, even though it may sound too good to be true. Let’s now examine some of the greatest methods you can use your passion to get paid to read.

1. Book Proofreading

You can read novels that haven’t been released for pay as a proofreader.

Because proofreaders fix spelling, grammatical, and punctuation mistakes, proofreading is a crucial step in the publishing process. Proofreaders are always going to be needed, no matter how talented an author gets.

Online proofreading is a flexible, meticulous work-from-home career that is in high demand. An internet connection, a laptop or tablet, and the ability to identify errors are all you need to work as a proofreader.

If you’re adept at identifying errors, becoming a proofreader is a terrific way to turn reading books into a job.

How to Start as a Book Proofreader

Build Your Skills: You need excellent grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills. You can improve these by reading extensively and studying grammar guides.

Take a Course: There are many online courses that can teach you proofreading skills. Look for courses with good reviews and a comprehensive curriculum.

Practice: Start by proofreading short texts like articles or essays. You can volunteer to proofread for friends or small local publications to gain experience.

Create a Portfolio: Collect examples of your work to show potential clients or employers. This can include any volunteer work you’ve done or projects completed during your course.

Join Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr have sections for proofreading services. Create a profile and start bidding on jobs.

Network: Join proofreading and editing groups on social media. These communities can offer job leads and advice.

2. Join BookTok

For many people, TikTok has had a significant impact on their reading habits. TikToks with a book theme are called BookTok, and there have been claims of a spike in book sales as a result of recommendations from these videos.

An excellent place to start if you’re eager to gain recognition for your book reviews is by creating a BookTok account. It enables you to monetize your passion for reading.

It would most likely be challenging to earn much, if any, money using BookTok in the beginning. However, after you’ve amassed a sizable following, you might consider chances for affiliate marketing and brand sponsorship.

How to Start a BookTok Account

Starting a BookTok account is easy and fun! First, download the TikTok app and create an account using your email, phone number, or social media. Set up your profile with a book-related username and a fitting profile picture.

Begin by creating content like book reviews, recommendations, book hauls, and reading challenges. Use popular BookTok hashtags like #BookTok, #BookReview, and #Reading to reach a wider audience. Engage with others by following, liking, and commenting on their videos, and respond to comments on your own posts to build a community.

Consistency is key, so aim to post regularly, at least a few times a week. Make sure your videos have good lighting and clear sound, and use TikTok’s editing tools to make them engaging. Keep an eye on trends and incorporate them into your content. Most importantly, be yourself and enjoy connecting with fellow book lovers on BookTok!

3. Reading Aloud for Audiobooks

Have you ever wondered where audiobooks get their voices? So think about becoming an audiobook reader if you want to be paid to read books aloud! This will be a huge help if you have experience with voice, theater, or public speaking.

Try a variety of voices and styles until you find your voice. Next, make a demo reel and register with a web-based marketplace.

Tips for Success

Read Widely: Familiarize yourself with different genres to become a versatile narrator.

Stay Persistent: It may take time to land your first gig, so keep auditioning and improving your skills.

Listen to Audiobooks: Study how professional narrators perform to get a sense of pacing, character voices, and expression.

4. Start a Book Review Blog

You would review books that interest you or are relevant to your blog topic if you had a book review blog. This could prove to be a really helpful method for learning how to make money online through book reading.

Your blog postings will pique readers’ interest with your candid critique.

Then, you may place affiliate links to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online retailers for the books you’re reading, among other ways, to earn money. Some bloggers may conduct online debates, write reviews of books they’ve read, or use books to assist readers with various subjects.

What Are Affiliate Links?

Affiliate links are special URLs used in affiliate marketing to track sales or leads generated by a marketer. These links have unique identifiers that connect the sale or action to the affiliate who promoted it. When someone clicks on an affiliate link, it tracks their activity until they complete a purchase or another desired action, ensuring the affiliate gets credit for the sale or lead.

These links include details like the affiliate’s ID and the product ID, allowing the merchant or affiliate program to accurately track and attribute sales. Merchants or affiliate networks provide these links, which are specific to the products or services being promoted.

Affiliate marketing is a way for bloggers, influencers, and website owners to earn commissions by promoting products or services. When a user clicks on an affiliate link and makes a purchase, the affiliate earns a commission, usually a percentage of the sale amount. Some programs may also offer commissions for generating leads or sign-ups.

5. Work as a Translator

Most popular books are translated into various languages on a regular basis. But who is responsible for that work? If you speak another language well, you might want to think about translating books as your primary source of income or even as a side gig.

Remember that even though you are writing the book in a different language, you are still the author of the work that you are working on. This implies that, similar to the author, you may be eligible to receive royalties.

How Can You Work as a Translator

To work as a translator, start by mastering at least two languages and understanding their grammar and cultural nuances. Consider formal education or certification in translation to gain credibility. Build a portfolio by translating texts, even unpaid initially, to showcase your skills.

Utilize online platforms like ProZ.com and TranslatorsCafe.com to find job opportunities and network with clients. Deliver high-quality work consistently to build a reputation for reliability and accuracy, which can lead to repeat business and referrals. These steps can help you establish yourself as a successful translator in various industries.

6. Run a Book Club

You can meet people who share your interests and discuss books in book clubs. Is there anything greater than that?

Well, there is. You might be able to earn money by organizing a book club.

Whether conducting the book club in person or online, you have the option to charge participants a nominal fee. Since they know that you put a lot of time and effort into running the club, the members will probably be willing to pay you a little fee for your organizing duties.

Tips to Run a Successful Book club

Choose a Theme or Genre: Decide on the type of books your club will read to attract members with similar interests.

Set a Schedule: Determine how often your club will meet and stick to a consistent schedule to keep members engaged.

Select Books Democratically: Rotate book selection among members or take turns suggesting books to ensure everyone’s preferences are considered.

Prepare Discussion Questions: Research or create discussion questions ahead of time to guide conversations and encourage deeper insights into the book.

Facilitate Engaging Discussions: Encourage members to share their opinions, ask open-ended questions, and moderate to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak.

Encourage Attendance and Participation: Remind members of upcoming meetings and create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued.

7. Become a Book Podcaster

You may potentially make money discussing your favorite novels and stories by launching a podcast about literature.

If your podcast becomes popular, you may want to consider ways to make money off of it, such as sponsorship and advertising. It can take a lot of time and effort to get there, but it can be worthwhile if you’re dedicated to seeing your podcast succeed.

With advertising, you could potentially make more than £15 for every 1,000 downloads, or much more if your podcast becomes extremely popular.

Tips to Start a Book Podcast

Define Your Niche: Decide on your podcast’s focus, such as specific genres, author interviews, or book reviews, to attract a dedicated audience.

Plan Your Format: Choose whether to host solo, interview guests, or discuss with co-hosts, maintaining a consistent format.

Equip Yourself: Invest in a quality microphone and ensure a quiet recording space for good sound quality.

Create Compelling Content: Prepare engaging topics and outlines to keep discussions focused and interesting.

Brand Your Podcast: Develop a unique name, logo, and branding that reflects your podcast’s theme.

Record and Edit Professionally: Use software like Audacity for recording and editing to maintain audio quality.

Host and Distribute: Select a hosting platform and distribute your podcast on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Promote Your Podcast: Utilize social media and book communities to attract listeners and encourage engagement.

Stay Consistent: Publish episodes on a regular schedule to keep listeners engaged and build a loyal audience.

8. Become a Sensitivity Reader

Despite the common advice for writers to write only what they know, developing characters is an essential component of the creative process. It is imperative, therefore, that fictitious characters are humanized and written with skill. Sensitivity readers can help in this situation.

Take into account your history, race, and cultural experience if you want to be paid to read books.

How to Become a Sensitivity Reader

To become a sensitivity reader, start by gaining expertise in areas like race, gender, disability, or LGBTQ+ issues through personal experience or research. Understand the role of providing feedback on how accurately diverse characters and experiences are portrayed. Build a portfolio by offering your services initially to gain experience and testimonials. Network within writing communities to find opportunities, and stay informed about diversity and inclusion topics to provide valuable insights as a sensitivity reader.

5 Best Sites to Review Books Online

Now that we’ve explored some great options, let’s delve into the top five sites where you can find detailed and insightful book reviews online.

1. Online Book Club

The initial payment made through OnlineBookClub.org is made with books—not cash. After then, the books will always be free, and you will be qualified to get payment for book review possibilities.

You can earn between $5 and $60 for each book you review on this site. More than 10,000 authors have submitted their books for review to Online Book Club.

According to this website, evaluating books can earn you up to a few hundred bucks per month.

2. UpWork

You would have to register as a book reviewer on UpWork and build your own profile. In this manner, publishers and authors will be able to find you and directly hire you to read and review their work.

Additionally, you have the freedom to choose which clients to work with and set your own rates as a freelance book reviewer on UpWork.

I came across some book reviewer profiles that charged between $15 and $75 per hour.

3. Reedsy

You can evaluate hundreds of books before they are published and get paid for it by using Reedsy Discovery. Writers send their works to Reedsy with the express purpose of having book reviewers evaluate them.

Readers (those who purchase the book) then pay you as a gratuity for the review. You can tip $1, $3, or $5 for these.

4. The US Review of Books

Book reviews on this website are written by freelance writers and typically run between 250 and 300 words.

They are searching for reviews that serve as summaries of the book and offer insights.

You must submit a CV, a sample of your work, and at least two professional references to the editor in order to be considered for a book reviewer position with the U.S. Review of Books.

5. Kirkus Reviews

For their Kirkus Indie section, Kirkus Media is seeking book reviewers of both English and Spanish-language novels. Two weeks after you are given a book to read, you are expected to submit a 350-word review.

There are lots of alternatives because Kirkus reviews nearly every type of book.

They are highly well-liked by book reviewers and evaluate about 10,000 novels annually.