20 Genius Ways to Get Paid to Read Books – Turn Your Hobby Into Income!

ByThe Financial Folks

Imagine turning your love for books into a steady income stream! Whether you’re an avid reader, a book reviewer, or just someone looking for a side hustle, there are multiple ways to make money simply by reading. From reviewing books and narrating audiobooks to working in publishing or even starting your own book blog, the possibilities are endless.

In this guide, we’ll explore 20 legitimate and exciting ways to get paid to read books—some of which can even become full-time careers. Whether you want a flexible freelance gig or a long-term book-related income, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into the best ways you can monetize your love for reading! 📚💰

1. Get Paid to Review Books

One of the easiest and most popular ways to make money reading books is by becoming a book reviewer. Many websites, publishers, and independent authors are willing to pay readers for honest and detailed reviews.

1.1 Become a Book Reviewer for Websites

There are several reputable platforms where you can apply to be a paid book reviewer:

💡 Pro Tip: If you love writing in-depth reviews, you can also publish them on your own blog and earn through affiliate marketing. (More on this in the next section!)

1.2 Start Your Own Book Blog & Monetize It

Starting a book blog is an excellent way to get paid to read and write about books. Unlike working for a review site, a blog gives you full control over your content and income sources.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Affiliate Marketing – Promote books from Amazon, Book Depository, or Audible and earn a commission per sale.
  • Ads – Use platforms like Google AdSense or Mediavine to make passive income.
  • Sponsored Posts – Get paid by publishers and authors to feature their books.
  • Selling Your Own Digital Products – Create book summaries, reading guides, or online courses.

🚀 How to Get Started:

  1. Pick a niche—book reviews, summaries, self-help, fantasy, or a mix!
  2. Set up a WordPress blog using Bluehost or SiteGround.
  3. Write engaging book-related content and share it on social media.
  4. Use SEO techniques to attract organic traffic and monetize your blog.

If you love reading and writing, blogging can be a lucrative way to earn money long-term!

2. Earn Money as an Audiobook Narrator

Audiobooks are more popular than ever, and if you have a clear, expressive voice, you can make great money by narrating them.

2.1 Freelance as a Narrator for Audiobooks

You don’t need to be a Hollywood actor to become an audiobook narrator! Several platforms connect voice artists with authors and publishers:

  • ACX – Amazon’s platform for audiobook production and sales.
  • Voices.com – Offers audiobook gigs alongside other voice-over jobs.
  • Fiverr & Upwork – Freelance marketplaces for beginner narrators.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Narrators earn $100–$500 per finished hour of audio work.
  • Some platforms offer royalty share agreements, meaning you earn passive income from audiobook sales.

2.2 Create & Sell Your Own Audiobooks

If you enjoy storytelling, you can also write and narrate your own audiobooks!

  • Publish through Findaway Voices, Google Play Audiobooks, or Audible.
  • Create fiction or self-help audiobooks and sell them via Gumroad or Shopify.

📢 Pro Tip: You don’t need expensive equipment—start with a Blue Yeti microphone and use free software like Audacity to edit recordings.

3. Work as a Proofreader or Editor

If you have a keen eye for detail and love polishing text, working as a proofreader or editor can be a rewarding way to get paid for reading.

3.1 Become a Freelance Proofreader

Proofreading involves checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting mistakes in books, articles, and other written content. You can find proofreading gigs on:

  • Scribendi – Hires experienced proofreaders and editors.
  • ProofreadingPal – Offers freelance proofreading jobs.
  • Gramlee – Accepts applications from skilled proofreaders.
  • Upwork & Fiverr – Great for beginners to land gigs.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Proofreaders earn $20–$50 per hour, depending on experience.
  • High-end editing for books can pay $500–$5,000 per project.

3.2 Become a Book Editor

Book editors go beyond proofreading—they refine the content, structure, and readability of manuscripts. If you have expertise in literature or publishing, you can work as an editor for:

  • Traditional Publishing Houses – Apply to companies like Penguin Random House or HarperCollins.
  • Self-Published Authors – Many indie authors hire freelance editors.
  • Editing Platforms – Sites like Reedsy connect editors with book authors.

📢 Pro Tip: If you want to learn professional editing skills, consider courses from Edit Republic or The Chicago Manual of Style.

4. Get Paid to Read & Summarize Books

Busy professionals often prefer reading book summaries instead of full books. If you can condense books into engaging summaries, you can earn money from this skill.

4.1 Write Summaries for Book Summary Websites

Several companies pay for high-quality book summaries:

  • Blinkist – Hires experts to create non-fiction book summaries.
  • getAbstract – Pays for detailed book summaries.
  • Shortform – Offers in-depth summaries for premium subscribers.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Book summary writers earn $100–$500 per summary, depending on the platform.
  • Some sites pay per word or offer royalties on sales.

4.2 Start Your Own Paid Book Summary Service

Instead of working for a company, you can monetize your own book summaries by:

  • Selling PDF summaries on Gumroad or Payhip.
  • Creating a Patreon or Substack where subscribers pay for exclusive content.
  • Publishing summaries on a blog and earning via ads & affiliate marketing.

📢 Pro Tip: Focus on popular niches like self-help, business, and personal finance for higher demand.

5. Become an Audiobook Narrator

If you have a pleasant voice and enjoy reading aloud, becoming an audiobook narrator is a fantastic way to make money from books. Audiobook consumption is growing rapidly, and platforms are always looking for skilled narrators.

5.1 Narrate Audiobooks for Authors & Publishers

Many authors and publishers need narrators to bring their books to life. You can find opportunities on:

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Audiobook narrators earn $50–$400 per finished hour (PFH).
  • Experienced narrators make $3,000–$10,000 per audiobook.
  • ACX offers royalty share options, meaning you can earn passive income if the book sells well.

5.2 Sell Your Own Audiobooks

Instead of working for others, you can create and sell your own audiobooks by:

  • Recording public domain books (like classic literature) and selling them on Audible or Google Play Books.
  • Producing self-help or educational audiobooks and selling on Gumroad or Payhip.
  • Starting a YouTube channel with free audiobook excerpts and monetizing through ads.

📢 Pro Tip: Invest in a quality microphone and soundproof setup to sound professional. Courses from Gravy for the Brain can help you improve your narration skills.

6. Read & Review Books for Cash

If you love sharing your thoughts on books, you can get paid to write reviews for publishers, websites, and brands.

6.1 Get Paid to Review Books for Websites

Many websites and magazines pay for well-written book reviews:

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Reviewers earn $5–$100 per review, depending on the platform.
  • High-quality reviews can lead to sponsorships from publishers & authors.

6.2 Start Your Own Paid Book Review Blog

Instead of writing for other platforms, you can monetize your own book review website by:

  • Earning through ads (Google AdSense, Mediavine, etc.).
  • Using affiliate marketing to recommend books from Amazon or Bookshop.org.
  • Offering paid book review services for indie authors.

📢 Pro Tip: Focus on trending book genres (e.g., thrillers, romance, self-help) to attract more readers.

7. Get Paid to Read & Summarize Books

If you enjoy breaking down complex ideas into concise summaries, this job is for you! Many busy professionals rely on book summaries to grasp key insights without reading the entire book.

7.1 Work for Book Summary Platforms

Several websites pay you to read books and create detailed summaries:

  • Blinkist – Hires writers to create 15-minute summaries of non-fiction books.
  • Shortform – Offers deep book summaries and pays freelance contributors.
  • GetAbstract – Publishes summaries of business and self-improvement books.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Experienced summary writers earn $500–$3,000 per month.
  • Some platforms pay $50–$200 per book summary.

7.2 Start Your Own Book Summary Blog or YouTube Channel

Instead of working for platforms, you can monetize your own book summary content:

  • Write summaries on a blog and earn from ads & affiliate marketing.
  • Create animated book summaries on YouTube and earn from YouTube AdSense & sponsorships.

📢 Pro Tip: Focus on best-selling non-fiction books (e.g., finance, productivity, psychology) for higher engagement.

8. Become a Proofreader or Editor

Do you have a keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and spelling? Proofreading is a high-paying way to make money while reading.

8.1 Get Paid to Proofread Books for Authors & Publishers

Authors, publishing houses, and self-published writers hire proofreaders to refine their books. You can find work on:

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Proofreaders earn $25–$50 per hour.
  • Experienced book editors make $3,000–$6,000 per project.

8.2 Start Your Own Freelance Proofreading Business

If you prefer independence, create a proofreading website and offer your services to:

  • Indie authors looking to self-publish.
  • Businesses needing content editing.
  • Bloggers and e-book writers.

📢 Pro Tip: Take a Proofreading Course from Proofread Anywhere to build skills and attract clients.

9. Work as an Audiobook Narrator

Love reading out loud? Audiobook narration is a fun and well-paying job that lets you bring stories to life. If you have a clear, engaging voice, you can get paid to record audiobooks from home.

9.1 Get Paid to Narrate Audiobooks

Many platforms connect narrators with authors and publishers:

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Beginners earn $100–$300 per finished hour of narration.
  • Experienced narrators make $1,000–$5,000 per book, especially for bestsellers.

9.2 Set Up Your Audiobook Narration Studio

To succeed as a narrator, you’ll need:
✅ A good microphone like the Blue Yeti or Rode NT1A.
✅ A quiet, soundproof recording space.
✅ Editing software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.

📢 Pro Tip: Take a narration course (like the Narrators Roadmap) to improve skills and land more gigs.

10. Become a Literary Agent

If you love discovering new books and helping authors succeed, being a literary agent can be an exciting and well-paid career. Agents work with authors to sell their books to publishers and negotiate deals.

10.1 Get Paid to Find & Represent Talented Writers

Literary agents are key players in the publishing industry. They:

  • Scout talented authors & manuscripts.
  • Pitch books to publishing houses like Penguin Random House & HarperCollins.
  • Negotiate book deals, film rights, & international rights.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Agents earn 10–20% commission on book deals (some worth six or seven figures).
  • Top agents represent best-selling authors and make $100K+ per year.

10.2 How to Become a Literary Agent

✅ Start as an intern or assistant at a literary agency.
✅ Build relationships with publishers, authors, & editors.
✅ Create a portfolio of successful book deals.

📢 Pro Tip: Check out Publishers Marketplace to track book deals & agent trends.

11. Become a Book Reviewer

If you enjoy reading and sharing your opinions, becoming a paid book reviewer is a great way to make money while indulging in literature. Many websites, publishers, and independent authors pay for honest and insightful book reviews.

11.1 Get Paid to Review Books

Several platforms pay reviewers for their insights, including:

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Earn between $5 to $100 per review depending on the platform.
  • Established reviewers earn sponsorships & affiliate commissions through blogs & YouTube.

11.2 Start Your Own Book Review Blog

Want long-term income? Create a book review blog and monetize with:
✅ Affiliate marketing (Amazon Associates, Book Depository).
✅ Sponsored reviews from publishers & authors.
✅ Ad revenue through Google AdSense or Mediavine.

📢 Pro Tip: Join NetGalley to receive free advance reader copies from publishers.

12. Proofreading & Editing Books

Do you have a keen eye for grammar, spelling, and structure? Proofreading and editing is a highly-paid way to work with books.

12.1 Get Paid to Proofread & Edit Books

Authors, publishers, and self-published writers hire proofreaders & editors to ensure their books are error-free before publishing.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Beginner proofreaders earn $15–$30 per hour.
  • Professional editors earn $50–$100 per hour.
  • Large editing contracts pay $1,000–$5,000 per book.

12.2 Where to Find Editing Gigs

📢 Pro Tip: Take an online proofreading course like Proofread Anywhere to boost skills & get more clients.

13. Become an Audiobook Narrator

If you have a clear and expressive voice, audiobook narration is a fantastic way to make money from books. With the rise of platforms like Audible and Google Play Books, audiobook demand has skyrocketed.

13.1 Get Paid to Narrate Books

Narrators are needed for fiction, non-fiction, self-help books, and even textbooks. You can get started by:

  • Joining ACX (Audible’s marketplace for audiobook narrators).
  • Creating profiles on Voices.com & Fiverr for narration gigs.
  • Connecting with indie authors and self-publishers for projects.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • New narrators earn $50–$200 per finished hour of audio.
  • Experienced narrators earn $500+ per audiobook.
  • Some projects offer royalty share deals, meaning you get paid every time the audiobook sells!

📢 Pro Tip: Invest in a good microphone & recording setup to improve your sound quality.

14. Work as a Library Assistant

Love spending time in libraries? Library assistants help organize books, assist visitors, and even recommend reads. It’s a relaxing, book-filled environment that pays well.

14.1 How to Get Hired

  • Apply at public libraries, university libraries, and private archives.
  • Positions often require a high school diploma or some library science coursework.
  • Some libraries offer remote book cataloging jobs!

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Hourly wages range from $12 to $25 depending on experience.
  • University library jobs offer higher pay & flexible schedules.

📢 Pro Tip: Many libraries offer paid internships—a great way to get started in the field!

15. Write Book Summaries & Get Paid

Many busy professionals prefer book summaries over reading full-length books. If you’re good at summarizing content, this is an easy way to earn money.

15.1 Where to Sell Book Summaries

  • Blinkist – Pays writers to create book summaries.
  • Shortform – Offers freelance writing gigs for book summaries.
  • Start your own blog or YouTube channel and monetize book summaries through ads & affiliate links.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Writers earn $100–$500 per summary depending on the platform.
  • Monetized blogs & YouTube channels generate passive income through ads.

📢 Pro Tip: Focus on self-help, finance, and business books—they have the highest demand for summaries!

16. Become a Proofreader for Books

If you have an eye for detail and grammar, proofreading is a fantastic way to get paid while reading books. Authors, publishers, and self-published writers need proofreaders to catch typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting issues before books are published.

16.1 Where to Find Proofreading Jobs

  • ProofreadingPal – Offers freelance proofreading jobs.
  • Upwork & Fiverr – Great for beginner proofreaders.
  • Scribendi – Hires experienced proofreaders for book editing.
  • Join Facebook groups for indie authors—many self-publishers need proofreaders!

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Proofreaders earn $20–$50 per hour.
  • Experienced book proofreaders charge $500+ per manuscript.
  • Some projects offer recurring work from publishers & authors.

📢 Pro Tip: Get certified through Proofread Anywhere to boost your credibility!

17. Work as a Literary Agent

A literary agent connects authors with publishers and helps negotiate book deals. If you love discovering new talent and working in publishing, this can be a rewarding and high-paying career.

17.1 How to Become a Literary Agent

  • Gain experience by interning at publishing houses.
  • Network with authors and publishing professionals.
  • Join Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) for credibility.
  • Many agents start their own agencies after gaining experience.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Literary agents earn 15% commission on book deals.
  • High-profile agents make six-figure incomes from multiple book deals per year.

📢 Pro Tip: If you love books and have strong negotiation skills, this is one of the best jobs in the book industry!

18. Work as a Book Publicist

Book publicists help authors market and promote their books through media coverage, book signings, and social media campaigns. If you love PR and books, this is a great career.

18.1 How to Get Started

  • Apply to publishing houses, PR firms, and author marketing agencies.
  • Offer freelance publicity services on platforms like Upwork.
  • Build relationships with influencers, bloggers, and book reviewers.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Salaries range from $40,000–$80,000 per year.
  • Top book publicists earn six figures working with bestselling authors.

📢 Pro Tip: Learn book marketing strategies by taking online PR courses and working with small authors first!

19. Get Paid to Read Submissions for Publishers

Publishing houses receive thousands of book submissions from aspiring authors. They hire manuscript readers (aka slush pile readers) to evaluate them before they reach editors.

19.1 Where to Find Manuscript Reading Jobs

  • Check career pages of Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster.
  • Apply at literary agencies—they need readers to assess submissions.
  • Freelance as a beta reader for authors.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Professional readers earn $15–$30 per hour.
  • Some publishers offer long-term contracts with bonuses.

📢 Pro Tip: Join online publishing communities to network with editors and increase job opportunities!

20. Become a Bookstore Owner

If you dream of being surrounded by books every day, why not open your own bookstore? Whether it’s a brick-and-mortar shop or an online book business, this is a fulfilling way to make money from books.

20.1 How to Start a Bookstore

  • Open a physical bookstore in your city.
  • Sell books online through Amazon FBA, eBay, or Shopify.
  • Specialize in rare, vintage, or niche book collections.

💰 How It Pays Well:

  • Bookstores generate revenue through book sales, events, and author signings.
  • Rare book sellers make thousands per sale with collectible editions.

📢 Pro Tip: Start small by selling books online before investing in a physical store!

Final Thoughts

There are so many ways to make money reading books, whether it’s through reviewing, narrating, editing, or even selling them. The key is to find what excites you and take the first step toward turning your love for books into income!

Which method interests you the most? Let me know in the comments!

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