If you love reading, imagine getting paid to read books. From proofreading manuscripts to narrating audiobooks, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion for books into real income.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best ways to get paid to read books in 2024. Whether you're interested in reviewing new releases, working remotely as a proofreader, or starting your own blog, there’s an option here for you.
Getting paid to read books isn’t just a hobby anymore; it’s becoming a legitimate side hustle for people around the world. And these opportunities aren’t limited to English speakers—many platforms look for readers in different languages, opening up even more possibilities.
From Canada to Australia and beyond, you can work from anywhere and get paid to read books.
In this article, we’ll break down each method step-by-step. You’ll find top platforms like JumpTask, Online Book Club, and Kirkus Reviews to help you start earning money by reading books.
Top Ways to Get Paid to Read Books
Ready to turn reading into income? Here are some of the top ways to get paid to read books, with options ranging from simple side gigs to advanced roles in the publishing industry. Each of these methods is flexible, so you can pick the one that best fits your skills and interests.
1. Proofreading
Proofreading is a great option for readers who have a sharp eye for detail and enjoy reading carefully. As a proofreader, you’re responsible for finding and fixing small but essential errors in grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Unlike editing, which often involves restructuring content, proofreading focuses on polishing the final draft of a text to ensure it’s error-free and ready for publication.
Proofreaders are in high demand across publishing platforms, from published authors to established companies. This role is perfect for remote work, allowing you to get paid to read from anywhere in the world. With flexible hours, proofreading is a great side gig for book lovers, students, or anyone with strong language skills.
Proofreading can be particularly rewarding for those interested in working with authors and written content. Self-published authors often rely on proofreaders to polish their books before releasing them, making this role essential in independent publishing.
Some proofreaders specialize in specific genres, like non-fiction, or children’s books, which can help attract more clients and higher rates. It’s a flexible, in-demand job that lets you get paid to read books in a variety of genres.
Top Platforms: JumpTask, Upwork, Fiverr
Typical Earnings: $10–$30 per hour, depending on experience and the type of content.
2. Editing
Editing goes beyond just finding typos. It’s about improving the clarity, structure, and overall quality of a book or article. Editors work closely with authors to enhance the flow of the narrative, develop ideas, and ensure consistency in tone and style. If you have experience in writing or a strong command of language, editing can be a rewarding way to get paid to work with books and other written content.
Editing is generally a higher-paying role than proofreading, especially if you specialize in a specific genre, such as children’s literature, or academic writing. This role is ideal for readers who enjoy diving deep into content and helping writers improve their work to make it engaging and impactful.
Editing plays a crucial role in the world of books, going beyond basic typos to improve the clarity, structure, and style of a text. Editors work closely with authors, enhancing the flow of the narrative and making sure each idea is fully developed and engaging.
Many editors specialize in specific genres like graphic novels, children’s literature, or academic writing, which can help them attract clients looking for expertise in a particular area. Some editors work with published authors or even published authors, polishing manuscripts before they reach readers.
If you enjoy reading books and shaping stories, editing is a rewarding way to get paid to read and make a real impact in the world of books.
Top Platforms: Reedsy, Freelancer, JumpTask
Typical Earnings: $20–$50 per hour, based on experience and project complexity.
3. Writing Book Reviews
For those who love sharing their thoughts on books, becoming a book reviewer could be the perfect fit. Many websites, publishers, and authors pay for thoughtful, honest book review to help spread the word about new releases.
Some platforms even offer free copies of books, so you’re essentially getting paid to read books and write a honest review on them. Book reviewing also allows you to explore a wide range of genres, from fiction to self-help to children’s books.
As an experienced book reviewers, you’ll need to provide balanced, insightful reviews that help potential readers decide if a book is right for them. Building a reputation as a reliable book reviewer can take time, but once established, it’s a steady side gig for readers who want to earn money for their opinions. Writing book short reviews can also be a great stepping stone into other writing-related roles.
Editing is more than just fixing typos - it’s about enhancing the clarity, structure, and overall quality of a book. Editors work closely with authors to develop ideas, improve narrative flow, and ensure consistency in tone and style. This role is ideal for readers with a strong command of language who want to help shape a book’s final form.
Editing often pays more than proofreading, especially if you specialize in a genre like children’s literature, or academic writing. Many editors work with authors or even published authors, polishing manuscripts before they reach readers. If you’re passionate about reading books and shaping stories, editing can be a fulfilling way to get paid to read and make a real impact in the world of literature.
Top Platforms: Online Book Club, Kirkus Reviews, Reedsy Discovery
Typical Earnings: $5–$50 per review, depending on the platform and your experience.
4. Voiceover and Audiobook Narration
Audiobook narration is a unique way to get paid to read books aloud and turn your love for reading into an income stream. As an audiobook narrator, you’ll bring books to life with your voice, often portraying characters or adding emotional nuance to create an immersive experience for listeners. This makes it an ideal job for those who enjoy performing and want to combine their love for books with storytelling.
Getting started as an audiobook narrator may require investing in quality recording equipment, such as a microphone and soundproof setup, to ensure professional-quality audio. Platforms like ACX and Voices.com are great places to find audiobook reading opportunities, whether you're a beginner or an experienced voice artist. If you’re bilingual or fluent in multiple languages, you could also narrate translated books or books written in one language for audiences worldwide.
In addition to narrating books, some audiobook producers look for narrators who can help create audiobooks from scratch. This involves providing feedback on scripts and working closely with authors or publishers to ensure the final product aligns with their vision. These opportunities are often found on job boards or online marketplaces, making it easier to connect with audiobook creators.
If you enjoy reading books aloud, have a clear and expressive voice, and are willing to practice voice acting, narrating audiobooks can be a rewarding way to earn money while working with books. It’s also an exciting side hustle for those looking to expand their creative skills in the growing audiobook market.
Top Platforms: ACX, Voices.com, JumpTask
Typical Earnings: $50–$300 per finished hour of audio, depending on the book length and narrator experience.
5. Starting a Book Blog or YouTube Channel
If you’re passionate about books and enjoy creating content, consider starting a blog dedicated to book reviews, reading recommendations, or book-related discussions. Book blogging or running a YouTube channel can be a long-term way to earn, and it’s an excellent platform to build an audience of fellow readers.
Book bloggers and YouTubers often earn through the Amazon Affiliate Program by linking to books in their posts and videos. Each time someone buys a book through your link, you earn a small commission. Additionally, once your blog or channel gains popularity, you may attract sponsors or create exclusive content for fans through platforms like Patreon. Although building a following takes time, this route can provide passive income and offers creative freedom for readers who want to talk about books online.
Top Monetization Options: Amazon Affiliate Program, Google AdSense, Patreon
Typical Earnings: Varies widely, from a few dollars a month to thousands, depending on audience size and engagement.
Other Opportunities to for Book Lovers
In addition to these primary methods, there are plenty of creative ways for book readers to make money. Here are some extra opportunities for readers who want to earn by working with books in unique ways.
1. Reading Aloud for Children or Storytelling Events
If you love children’s books and have a knack for storytelling, consider reading aloud at libraries, schools, or community centers. Many institutions seek engaging readers to bring stories to life for young audiences, especially around holidays or for literacy programs. Storytelling can be a rewarding and fun way to get paid to read books aloud, especially for those who enjoy working with kids.
2. Translating Books into Other Languages
For bilingual book readers, translating books is an opportunity to work with books in different languages and help make literature accessible to new audiences. Translators convert texts from one language to another, often with royalties as part of the payment. Translation work requires strong language skills and cultural understanding to capture the book’s original tone and meaning accurately.
3. Writing Book Summaries and Synopses
Many educational platforms and content marketing websites pay for summaries that provide readers with quick overviews of popular books. Writing summaries is particularly popular with non-fiction books, where readers often seek concise insights. Platforms even pay for “micro-summaries”—short, bullet-point breakdowns of a book’s main points—used in study materials and book discovery apps.
4. Beta Reading for Authors
Beta readers are among the first to read a book before it’s published, providing feedback to the author on plot, character development, pacing, and more. Beta reading is less formal than editing, but it requires offering honest, constructive feedback. Authors often seek beta readers to ensure their book resonates with its audience, making this an exciting way to get paid to review books before they’re officially released.
5. Self-Publishing Short Stories or E-Books
If you enjoy writing as much as reading, self-publishing can be an exciting opportunity to make money. By writing your own stories, novels, or even guides, you can publish on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and earn royalties. This is a great option for creative book lovers who have stories to tell, allowing you to control your work and build a long-term side hustle.
Getting Paid to Read: What You Need to Know
Can you actually get paid for reading books?
Yes, you can! There are many ways to get paid to read books, from proofreading and editing to writing book reviews and narrating audiobooks. Platforms like JumpTask, Online Book Club, and Kirkus Reviews connect book readers with opportunities to earn money while enjoying their favorite pastime.
How to become a paid book reader?
Becoming a paid book reader starts with identifying your skills and interests. Do you enjoy spotting errors? Try proofreading. Love sharing opinions? Write book reviews. Platforms like JumpTask and freelancing websites make it easy to find jobs suited to your preferences. Specializing in genres like children’s books or non-fiction can also help you stand out.
Does Amazon pay you to read books?
Indirectly, yes. Through Amazon’s affiliate program, you can earn money by recommending books and earning a commission on sales. Additionally, Amazon’s ACX platform offers audiobook narration gigs, where you can get paid to read books aloud and create audiobooks for authors and publishers.
Can JumpTask help me get paid to read books?
Absolutely! JumpTask connects freelancers with micro-jobs, including proofreading, editing, and other tasks that involve working with books. It’s a flexible platform that allows you to earn while completing book-related tasks on your own schedule.
Conclusion: Turn Your Love for Books into Income
Getting paid to read books might sound like a dream, but with so many opportunities available, it’s a realistic goal. Whether you’re interested in proofreading, editing, writing book reviews, narrating, or even blogging about books, there are plenty of ways to get paid to work with books.
Each path offers unique benefits: proofreading and editing let you work with details, reviewing gives you a platform to share your opinions, and narrating audiobooks allows you to bring stories to life. And if you’re entrepreneurial, creating a book blog or channel can turn into a source of additional income.
Start with what excites you most and aligns with your skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try different methods to find the best fit and consider combining options for a more stable income. With dedication and creativity, you can create a side hustle (or even a career) centered around your love of reading.
Monika Ivanauskaite
Content manager
The mind behind JumpTask updates is also a nature enthusiast, balancing announcements with hikes and capturing serene moments. Dive into the blog for a scenic journey through JumpTask's ever-evolving landscape.
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