Can I Get Paid To Read Books?
You know that feeling when you get lost in a book and it feels like you’re living in the story? What if I told you that you could turn that feeling into a career? That’s right, you can actually get paid to read and review books! Not only that, there are other opportunities in the book industry for book lovers like audio narration and starting your own book-reviewing YouTube channel.
Can you imagine getting paid to do something you’re already passionate about? As a book reviewer, you’ll get to dive into a new world every time you pick up a book and get paid for your thoughts on it.
It’s not just about sharing your personal opinions, it’s about critically analyzing the book and providing valuable insights for potential readers. And the best part? You can do it all from the comfort of your own home. So, if you’re a bookworm looking for a dream job, keep reading!
Table of contents
How To Make Money By Reading Books?
A. Book Reviewing
Book reviewing can be a great way to make money. If you’re interested in becoming a book reviewer, the following steps can help you.
- Reading widely can help you gain an understanding of different literary genres.
- Build a platform for your reviews. This can include a blog, a social media account, or a website dedicated to book reviews.
- You can either reach out to publishers and authors directly to request review copies of their books or you can find review opportunities on websites like NetGalley, Goodreads, and Kirkus Reviews.
- Write reviews regularly and try to get them published on reputable websites or in literary magazines. This can help to establish you as a credible and respected reviewer and increase your chances of being offered more review opportunities in the future.
B. Voice-Over For Audiobooks
Yet another way to make money by reading books is by becoming a narrator for audiobooks.
Here are five key steps you can take to become an audiobook narrator:
- Develop your skills: Audiobook narration is a craft that requires a certain set of skills. Practicing your voice acting, narration, and acting techniques will help to improve your craft. You can take online classes, workshops, or even practice with a local theater group.
- Build your portfolio: Create a demo reel of your work that showcases your narration skills. You can record yourself reading different types of books, genres, and styles. This will give potential clients an idea of your range and the type of projects you are best suited for.
- Network: Connect with other audiobook narrators, voice actors, and industry professionals. Join online communities, attend conventions and workshops, and make connections through social media.
- Audition: Look for opportunities to audition for audiobook narration projects. Keep an eye out for announcements on social media and job boards, and be prepared to submit a sample of your work when applying.
- Be persistent: Remember, becoming an audiobook narrator takes time and persistence. Keep honing your skills, building your portfolio, networking, and auditioning, and eventually, you’ll land your first project!
10 Websites That Pay You to Read
Here are a few websites where you can start:
1. OnlineBookClub.org
- OnlineBookClub gives you a platform to read and review books from many genres. And the best part? You can earn money from it.
- To write for them, you’d first need to create an account and submit an application.
- Once done, you can choose the books you want to review.
- You’ll need to write reviews at least 200 words long. Your review should be thoughtful, honest and insightful.
- For each review you write, you get paid $5 via PayPal.
- When you write more reviews, you earn more money and increase your visibility as a reviewer.
2. Kirkus Media
Kirkus Media hires freelance reviewers to write reviews for both fiction and non-fictions.
- To become a reviewer for Kirkus, you must apply and be accepted as a reviewer.
- To apply, you need to have a relevant background in writing or literary criticism, and submit a writing sample.
- Once accepted, you can choose from a list of books. For each review you complete, they pay you.
- Your pay depends on the length of review and type of books.
- You’re expected to meet deadlines and follow the guidelines provided by Kirkus.
- Kirkus reviews are posted on the Kirkus website and in Kirkus Reviews magazine, and can be used as a professional development tool to improve your writing skills and build a portfolio of work.
3. Booklist Online
If you are interested in writing reviews for Booklist, you can submit a writing sample and a resume to the publication.They occasionally accept unsolicited reviews from freelancers and authors, and they may also feature guest reviews. Writing a review for Booklist can be a great way to build your portfolio and gain exposure as a reviewer.
4. The US Review Of Books
Here you can review both fiction and nonfiction books. If you’re interested in poetry, you can review that too. To become a reviewer, you must apply and be accepted. Once that is done, you’re given a list of books you can choose from.
5. BookBrowse
BookBrowse is a website that offers book reviews, reading guides and author interviews. As a book reviewer, it’ll offer you the perfect platform to write about your favorite books.
Here are a few ways you can potentially make money by reading on BookBrowse:
- If your interest lies in reviewing books, then BookBrowse offers you the perfect platform for it.
- Apart from that you can earn money through affiliate marketing. You can promote books on BookBrowse by leaving links on your reviews.
- If you are an author, you can earn royalties by publishing your book on BookBrowse.
6. Audible/ ACX
Audible is one of the largest audiobook retailers and offers a wide range of opportunities for narrators.
- To get a job as a narrator, you’ll need experience narrating audiobooks and a clear and engaging speaking voice.
- You can apply to narrate books through Audible’s ACX platform, which connects narrators with authors and publishers.
- Audible also has their own casting team and they are always on the lookout for new voices to add to their library.
- Another way is to work as a studio narrator in one of Audible’s recording studios around the world. Narrators are paid for their work either through a royalty share or a flat fee.
7. Findaway Voices
Findaway voices offers a great opportunity for audiobook narrators to find work and build their career.
- To work with Findaway Voices, you will need to have some experience narrating audiobooks and a distinctive and captivating voice.
- You can apply by creating a narrator profile on their platform, where you can submit an audition and showcase your work.
- They also have a casting team that actively looks for new voices to add to their library.
- Once selected, you’re paid through a loyalty share or a flat fee.
8. Bookbub
BookBub is a website and a newsletter service that partners with major ebook retailers to promote ebooks and audiobooks. Apart from this it offers author profiles and reviews as tools for authors to promote their books.
- You can apply by reaching out to them and submitting an audition through their platform. They have a casting team that actively searches for new voices to add to their library.
- You can also work as a studio narrator, recording audiobooks in one of their partner studios.
- You’ll be paid for your work, either through a royalty share or a flat fee, depending on the agreement with the author or publisher.
9. Voice123
Voice123 connects voice over artists with potential clients, such as audiobook publishers, video game developers, and advertising agencies.
- To get started, you’ll need to create a profile, upload demos and start applying to various projects.
- Voice123 offers a wide range of opportunities, resources and training to help you improve your skills and market yourself effectively.
10. Bodalgo
Bodalgo is a platform that connects voice actors with clients who need professional voice services. As a voice actor you can take part in a multitude of tasks like commercials, narration, explainer videos, e-learning modules and others.
Here are three quick tips for getting a job as an audiobook narrator on Bodalgo:
- Create a strong profile, including a demo reel
- Audition for projects that match your skills and experience
- Network and be responsive to clients’ needs and inquiries
FAQs
While many book reviewers have qualifications in literature, having a qualification is not necessary. All you need to have is good knowledge, a thirst to read books and an ability to write.
There is no one way to become an audiobook narrator. While you don’t require qualifications to become an audiobook narrator, you need to have good vocal skills and an ability to read fluently.
Your payment usually depends on the hours that you put in. It also depends on the books that you review.
Yes, you can make a full time career in book reviewing. There are many who work on a freelance basis.
Get That Dream Job!
There are many ways to make money by reading and reviewing books, from becoming a book blogger, to joining book review websites, to even narrating audiobooks. The key is to find the right platform and market yourself effectively. By creating a strong online presence, tailoring your skills to the right audience, and consistently producing high-quality content, you can turn your love of reading into a profitable career.
