Get Paid To Read Books: 10 Real Ways To Earn In 2025

April 7, 2025

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Reading doesn’t have to be just a hobby anymore – it can also be a way to earn money. If you love reviewing books, narrating audiobooks, or editing manuscripts, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion for words on paper into income.

If you’re wondering how to get paid to read books, this guide covers 10 proven ways to turn your passion for books into income. Let’s dive in!

What to consider before getting paid to read books

To get paid to read books comes with some requirements. You may need specific skills like writing, narration, or editing for some opportunities. If you're looking for a fast way to earn money through reading, it's important to keep a few things in mind:

Skills matter. Reviewing books requires strong writing. Narration demands clear speech and good pacing. Editing needs attention to detail.
Payment varies. You might earn per book, per word, an hourly rate, or through royalties.
The book industry is huge. In 2024, it was worth $150.99 billion and is expected to grow by 4.2% annually until 2030.
Legal restrictions apply. Some platforms require users to be 18 or older.
Avoid scams. Legitimate jobs never ask for upfront fees.

1. Get paid to write book reviews

Book review jobs allow readers to earn money writing reviews on published works. Authors, publishers, and literary websites often pay for editorial reviews to promote books and provide valuable feedback. Some online platforms, like Online Book Club, Kirkus Reviews, and Reedsy, connect reviewers with paid opportunities. These are typically freelance gigs, meaning you can choose which books to review and work at your own pace.

Earnings vary by platform and experience. Some sites pay freelancers around $5 to $60 per review, while an established book reviewer can make even more. For instance, Kirkus Reviews offers around $30 for experienced reviewers.

Focus on writing fair, detailed, and engaging book reviews to increase your chances of getting paid assignments. Avoid summarizing too much – publishers want insightful opinions, not just plot recaps. Choosing a particular genre – adult fiction, fantasy, young adult fiction, non-fiction, or classics – can also position you as a strong book reviewer in the industry.

Learning to write reviews is a good start if you're new to reviewing. Later, consider free book reviews to collect sample work and professional references and earn credibility. You can also improve your credibility with subsequent reviews, which can lead to higher-paying gigs.

2. Get paid to read books aloud (audiobook narration)

Audiobook narration is a great way to get paid to read books aloud while bringing stories to life. It involves reading books aloud with clarity and expression, turning written content into engaging audio. According to some statistics, as of 2024, more than half of U.S. adults aged 18 and over have listened to audiobooks, making this a growing industry.

The best sites to find freelance work include ACX, Voices.com, and Spoken Realms. Some projects pay people per finished hour, with rates ranging from $50 to $250 or more. Others offer royalties, meaning you earn a percentage of sales over time.

To succeed in reading audiobooks, focus on clear diction, expressive reading, and pacing. Basic audio editing skills can also help, as many narrators record and edit their work. If you enjoy audio-related gigs, you might also like getting paid to listen to music or narrating commercials, corporate videos, or video games for other voice-over work.

With practice and the right opportunities, reading books aloud can become a steady source of income.

3. Proofreading and editing books for publishers and authors

Book proofreaders and editors play an important role in the publishing process. Authors and publishers rely on them to catch errors, improve readability, and proofread a book before it reaches readers. Public library workers may also have skills that align with this work, as they often engage in cataloging and editing tasks as part of their job, making them ideal candidates for that extra money. With the publishing industry constantly growing, there’s a steady demand for skilled proofreaders.

Beginners can find freelance work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Reedsy. Some professionals work directly with publishers, but most opportunities are freelance, allowing flexible hours and project choices. Pay varies based on experience and project size. Some proofreaders charge $0.01 to $0.03 per word, while experienced editors can earn hundreds of dollars per book.

If you're new to proofreading, start by improving your grammar and attention to detail. Reading style guides, practicing with online tools, and offering low-cost services to build experience can help. Strong writing skills also make a difference, especially for in-depth editing. If you’re interested in similar work, freelance writing is another great option.

4. Work as a beta reader

Beta readers help authors improve their books before publication by providing feedback on the plot, characters, pacing, and overall readability. Unlike proofreaders, who focus on grammar and spelling, beta readers share short reviews, pointing out what works and what doesn’t.

Paid beta reading opportunities can be found on BetaBooks and Reedsy and in private author groups on social media. Most of these jobs are freelance, allowing you to choose projects that interest you. Payment varies, with rates ranging from $20 for short reviews to $100 for good-quality sample reviews, depending on the length and depth of feedback required.

To be a good beta reader, focus on clear, constructive feedback. Instead of just saying a book is “good” or “boring,” explain why certain parts were engaging or where the story felt slow. Authors appreciate honest opinions, especially when they include suggestions for improvement. If you love reading and analyzing stories, beta reading can be a fun way to get extra cash.

5. Join book affiliate programs

Book affiliate programs let you earn commissions by promoting books online. When someone buys a book through your affiliate link, you get a percentage of the sale. It’s a simple way to turn a love for reading into income.

Popular programs include Amazon Associates and Bookshop.org. Amazon offers commissions on millions of titles, while Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. Some programs pay a few cents per sale, while others offer higher rates for niche or educational books.

Affiliate marketing can be passive if you create evergreen content, but it often requires consistent effort. The more people see your recommendations, the better your chances of earning commissions. You can promote books through your own blog, social media, YouTube channel, or TikTok. Book reviews, reading lists, and themed recommendations can attract an audience.

While affiliate commissions aren’t huge per sale, steady traffic and good recommendations can add up over time. If you enjoy sharing book suggestions, this can be an easy way to earn extra cash.

6. Translate books for international readers

If you’re bilingual, book translation can be a great side gig while helping stories reach a wider audience. Authors and publishers often look for translators to adapt books into different languages, making them accessible to new book readers.

You can find jobs on Babelcube, Upwork, and Fiverr. Some projects are freelance jobs, while others involve working directly with publishers. Payment varies based on the language pair, book-length, and experience level. Some translators charge per word, typically $0.05 to $0.20, while others earn royalties from book sales.

Starting without formal qualifications is possible. Building a portfolio with smaller projects, such as translating short stories or articles, can help. Offering sample translations or working with self-published authors can also open doors. Accuracy and cultural adaptation are key – literal translations don’t always capture the meaning behind the words. If you love languages and literature, book translation is one of the best ways to get paid to read books.

If you love talking about books and sharing an honest review, creating content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok can turn your passion into a rewarding income. Many book lovers build audiences by sharing reviews, summaries, themed discussions, or even "reading vlogs" documenting their reading experiences.

Creators can get paid in different ways. Ad revenue on YouTube, brand sponsorships, and affiliate links for books can all bring in income. Some also use Instagram and Patreon to connect with their audience and offer exclusive content for paying subscribers. While some earnings can be passive, such as ad revenue from older videos, most content creation requires consistency to grow and keep an engaged audience.

For beginners, the key is to start with what you enjoy. Pick a niche, like adult fiction, fantasy books, classic literature, or indie authors, and interact with book communities online. Engaging with other creators, responding to comments, and experimenting with different content styles can help your channel or page grow.

8. Review books for educational or research purposes

Some organizations pay for in-depth book summaries and literary analysis, especially in academic and research fields. Universities, researchers, and journalists often need detailed breakdowns of books for studies, articles, or reports. This work can involve summarizing key points, analyzing themes, or comparing texts within a specific field.

These opportunities can be freelance or contract-based, depending on the employer. Academic institutions may hire reviewers for long-term projects, while freelance writers can find gigs to get paid to read books on Upwork and Freelancer. Some journalism outlets seek book analysts to write professional reviews or contribute to think pieces.

Earnings vary depending on the complexity of the work. Simple summaries may pay around $20 to $50 per review, while detailed literary analysis for research purposes can bring in $100 or more per project. Those with expertise in a specific subject, such as history or science, may find higher-paying opportunities. To get started, consider reaching out to researchers, checking job boards for academic writing gigs, or pitching article ideas to literary publications.

9. Self-publish book summaries or reading guides

Publishing book summaries or reading guides is a great way to get paid to read books while sharing insights with book readers. Many people look for concise overviews of books to learn or to decide if a book is worth reading. Writers can create summaries highlighting key themes, important lessons, and actionable takeaways.

These summaries can be sold on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, where self-published authors reach a global audience. Some alternatives, such as Gumroad and Payhip, allow direct sales without relying on major retailers. Subscription-based services like Blinkist also exist, though they typically work with established publishers.

This method can help you make money, but it requires effort upfront. A well-written summary can sell for $2 to $10 per copy, and a collection of summaries may generate steady monthly earnings. Success depends on writing clear, engaging content and choosing high-demand books. Online book club can be a great place to research what people are reading.

To stand out, focus on books in popular categories like business, self-improvement, or education. High-quality formatting, strong titles, and clear descriptions also help attract buyers.

Microtask platforms sometimes offer small reading-related gigs that pay per task. These jobs include categorizing book excerpts, summarizing articles, or checking written content for errors. Since they don’t require advanced skills, they’re a simple way to earn extra cash in your spare time.

Get-paid-to sites often list these kinds of tasks. Payment varies by task, but most gigs pay a few cents to a few dollars and can be completed in minutes.

This type of work is platform-based, meaning you can log in anytime and complete tasks at your own pace. If you want an easy way to earn extra cash between books, JumpTask offers simple microtasking opportunities, including reading-related tasks, surveys, and games. It’s a flexible option for anyone looking to make money without committing to long-term projects.

Love reading? Get paid for it

Earn extra cash with simple reading tasks and microjobs on JumpTask.

Key Takeaways

There are various legitimate ways to earn money from reading, but most opportunities require specific skills, such as writing, narration, or editing.
Research platforms and methods to discover how to get paid to read books that align with your interests and to avoid getting scammed.
An online book club is a great place to see what people are reading and what books are the most popular at the time being.
Picking a specific or just several genres – young adult fiction, non-fiction, classics, or fantasy – and specializing in it can make you stand out in the industry.
Pay rates vary depending on the opportunity and your experience, with some options offering per-project payments and others providing royalties or steady income.
Experimenting with different methods can help you find what works best for you – it doesn’t matter if you’re writing book reviews, narrating audiobooks, editing, or engaging in affiliate marketing.

FAQs

Yes, you can get paid to narrate audiobooks, proofread/edit, or translate books without writing professional reviews. However, writing detailed reviews can help establish credibility, and subsequent reviews can lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Audiobook narrators typically earn $50 to $250 per finished hour of audio, with some projects offering royalties based on sales.

No, but strong attention to detail and a good grasp of grammar are essential. Beginners can start by offering lower-cost review work to build experience.

Kirkus Reviews and Reedsy offer some of the highest-paying book review opportunities, with rates reaching up to $30 per hour.

Monika Ivanauskaite

Content Manager

Meet Monika, your go-to person for turning side-hustle ambitions into real income. As a content manager at JumpTask, she makes digital earning opportunities easy to understand and follow. With a Communication degree from Vilnius Tech and studies in International Communication at Hanze, Monika knows how to turn tricky money earning topics into practical tips. She’s been where you are and knows how hard it can be to start. That’s why her advice is always honest and clear. No empty promises, just real ways to make money online.

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