Can You Really Earn Money By Reading Books?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible! Whether you want to make some extra cash or just enjoy your favorite hobby in a productive way, there are legitimate platforms and opportunities to help you do so.
While some websites offer direct payment, others provide rewards like Amazon gift cards or other perks. Beyond monetary gains, reading books can also enhance your knowledge, improve your writing style, and support your personal growth.
If you’re looking for practical ways to turn your love for books into a rewarding side hustle, check out the 36 ways belowto get started.
Get Paid To Read Books Aloud
Do you have a clear, pleasant voice and enjoy narrating stories? Then this is a perfect opportunity for you. By acting as a voice-over artist, you can earn $15–$35+ per hour just for reading books out loud. Here’s where to start:
1. Voice Bunny
- Pay Rate: Minimum $31 per gig.
- Details: Voice Bunny connects talented voice artists with clients looking for narrators, audio ads, and podcast creators. After submitting a voice sample, you can take up projects and set your rates.
Read more: 25 Best Voice-Over Jobs For Beginners
2. Brilliance Audio
- Pay Rate: Variable depending on the book.
- Details: A subsidiary of Amazon, Brilliance Audio specializes in audiobooks. Apply for narrating projects, showcase your talent, and negotiate payment directly with authors.
Read more: 12 Legit Audiobook Narrator Jobs Paying $100+/Hour
3. ACX
- Pay Rate: Pre-determined hourly rates.
- Details: ACX connects authors, publishers, and narrators for audiobook production. Approved files are distributed on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Read more: 10 Ways to Earn Through Online Voice Acting Jobs
4. Voices.com
- Pay Rate: Up to $1,500 per project.
- Details: This platform offers opportunities for voice-over work across industries, including audiobooks, podcasts, animation, and more. Secure payments are handled via SurePay.
Apps To Get Paid For Reading Books
Turn your smartphone into a money-making tool with these top apps:
5. Scribd
- Pay Rate: $50–$70 per hour.
- Details: Scribd hires book reviewers and proofreaders for its vast library of eBooks and audiobooks.
6. Instaread
- Pay Rate: $100 per book summary.
- Details: Write detailed summaries (1,000–1,500 words) and earn a fixed rate. While they aren’t hiring at the moment, bookmark their page for updates.
7. BookYap
- Pay Rate: Variable based on experience.
- Details: Specializes in self-help book reviews. Reviewers provide insights on content quality, educational value, and actionable advice.
8. Goodreads
- Pay Rate: Free ARCs (Advance Review Copies).
- Details: Goodreads offers ARCs in exchange for reviews. Create a strong profile with detailed reviews to increase your chances.
9. Wattpad
- Pay Rate: Undisclosed.
- Details: Contribute reviews and stories to Wattpad’s massive user base, potentially leading to collaborations with Wattpad Studios.
Get Paid To Review Books
Reading and reviewing books is another way to monetize your passion. While this may not offer the same earning potential as audiobooks, it’s an enjoyable and flexible way to earn:
10. Kirkus Media
- Pay Rate: Competitive (based on book volume and type).
- Details: Submit 350+ word reviews for English or Spanish books across genres like fiction, thrillers, and history.
11. Book Browse
- Pay Rate: Free ARCs.
- Details: Join the “First Impressions” program to review pre-release books.
Read more: How To Get Paid Writing Reviews
Final Thoughts
While these opportunities won’t replace a full-time income, they offer a great way to combine your passion for books with a steady side income. Whether you’re narrating, reviewing, or summarizing, there’s something for everyone. Start exploring these options today, and turn your love for reading into a rewarding hobby!
