15 Companies That Pay You to Read Books

Looking to earn money from your love of books? Discover 15 best ways to get paid to read books through reviews, narration, and proofreading.

Do you love reading and dream of making money while doing it? Whether you’re reviewing books, narrating audiobooks, or proofreading manuscripts, there are several legitimate ways to get paid to read books. Here’s a list of 15 companies and platforms where you can turn your passion for books into a paying side hustle or even a full-time job!

Get paid to read books

Table Of Contents

15 Companies That Pay You to Read Books

1. Kirkus Reviews

Payment: $50-$75 per review.
Details: Kirkus is one of the most respected names in book reviewing. Reviewers are required to write 350-word reviews for a variety of genres. Submit your writing samples and a list of preferred genres to get started.

2. The US Review of Books

Payment: $25-$75 per review.
Details: The US Review of Books offers freelance opportunities to write 250-300 word reviews. It’s a great way to get paid for your love of reading and sharing insights on different genres.

3. Online Book Club

Payment: $5-$60 per review.
Details: Online Book Club provides free books to review. You won’t get paid for your first review, but after it’s approved, you can earn between $5 and $60 for future reviews.

4. Booklist

Payment: $15 per review.
Details: Booklist is part of the American Library Association and focuses on writing concise 150-175 word reviews for libraries. The pay may be modest, but it’s a consistent and reputable opportunity.

5. Reedsy Discovery

Payment: Tips from readers ($1, $3, or $5).
Details: Reedsy Discovery allows you to review unpublished books and earn tips based on how much readers appreciate your review. It’s a fun way to discover new authors and get paid for your opinions.

6. Upwork

Payment: Varies ($15-$75 per hour).
Details: Upwork is a freelance platform where you can list your services as a book reviewer, proofreader, or editor. The pay depends on the client, but it’s a flexible way to earn money by reading.

7. BookBrowse

Payment: Varies.
Details: BookBrowse offers in-depth book review opportunities across different genres. Reviewers typically write one review per month, which makes it a steady way to earn some extra cash while reading books online.

8. NetGalley

Payment: Free access to books.
Details: NetGalley offers free advanced copies of books in exchange for reviews. Though you won’t be paid in cash, the free access to books can be a great perk for avid readers.

9. Freelance Proofreading and Editing

Payment: Varies widely.
Details: Proofreading is a great way to get paid to read. You’ll correct errors and provide feedback on manuscripts, often earning per project. This is an ideal gig if you have a keen eye for detail.

10. Audiobook Narration

Payment: royalties or flat fees.
Details: Have you ever wanted to get paid to read books aloud? Audiobook narration through ACX allows you to do just that. You can earn either royalties from book sales or a flat fee per project, depending on your agreement with the author or publisher.

11. Beta Reader Services

Payment: $50+ per manuscript.
Details: Beta readers offer feedback on unpublished manuscripts, helping authors refine their work before publication. It’s a great way to get paid for reading and providing valuable insights.

12. Sensitivity Reader

Payment: $50+ depending on word count.
Details: Sensitivity readers review manuscripts to ensure cultural accuracy and respect. It’s a rewarding way to get paid for your reading expertise, especially if you have specific knowledge of cultural issues.

13. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

Payment: royalties or flat fees.
Details: ACX is owned by Amazon, and it is a platform where authors connect with narrators to create audiobooks. You can set your own per-hour rate or opt to share royalties on audiobook sales, making it a flexible way to get paid to read books aloud.

14. Publishers Weekly

Payment: Varies.
Details: Publishers Weekly hires freelance reviewers to write in-depth reviews of new and upcoming books. It’s a perfect opportunity for experienced reviewers looking for a more professional gig.

15. Goodreads

Payment: Free books in exchange for reviews.
Details: Goodreads allows avid readers to review books and sometimes receive free copies in exchange for their honest opinions. While the primary reward is free books, some authors or publishers may offer compensation for promoted reviews.

Can I Get Paid to Read Books?

Yes, there are many legitimate ways to get paid for reading books, whether it’s through reviewing, narrating, proofreading, or offering feedback as a beta or sensitivity reader. Platforms like Kirkus Reviews, ACX, and Online Book Club make this possible. Depending on the platform and task, payments can range from $5 to $200 per book.

How to Get Paid to Read Books Aloud

If you enjoy narrating, audiobook creation is a lucrative option. With platforms like ACX (Amazon’s Audiobook Creation Exchange), you can collaborate with authors to narrate their books. Payment options include royalties from audiobook sales or a flat per-hour rate.
Steps to Get Started:

Sign up on ACX.
Create a profile showcasing your narration skills.
Audition for audiobook projects.
Choose your payment terms: royalties or per-finished-hour rate.

Get Paid to Review Books in the UK

Several platforms cater specifically to UK readers. Here are some top choices:

Online Book Club: Earn between $5 and $60 per review.
Kirkus Reviews: Offers freelance book review opportunities globally, including the UK.
Reedsy Discovery: While primarily tip-based, UK readers can earn through consistent reviews.

Pro Tip: Pair these platforms with cashback opportunities on book purchases through TopCashback or Quidco.

Make Money Reading Audiobooks

Platforms like ACX and Voices.com allow you to get paid for narrating books. If you have a clear and engaging voice, audiobook narration could be a perfect fit.
How Much Can You Earn?

Per-hour rate: $50–$500 depending on experience.
Royalties: Up to 50% of audiobook sales.

Earn Money by Reading Books Online

Online platforms like NetGalley and Goodreads provide opportunities to review books for free access, while others pay you directly.

NetGalley: Access advance review copies in exchange for your honest feedback.
Goodreads: Some publishers and authors pay for promotional reviews.

How to Get Paid for Reading Books on YouTube

Starting a YouTube channel dedicated to book reviews or narrations is another way to monetise your reading hobby. You can earn through:

Ad Revenue: Once you reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, YouTube monetisation opens.
Affiliate Links: Promote books and earn through platforms like Amazon Associates.
Sponsorships: collaborate with authors and publishers to review their books.

FAQs: How to Get Paid to Read Books

How much do book readers get paid?

The amount you can get paid as a book reader varies depending on the job. For example, you may earn as little as $5 for reviewing a book on a platform like Online Book Club, while Kirkus Reviews offers $50-$75 per review. In other roles, like audiobook narration with ACX, you can earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the book’s length and sales. Proofreading and editing services on freelance platforms like Upwork also offer varied pay depending on the project and client.

How can I get paid $200 to read books?

While there aren’t many platforms offering a flat $200 per book, you can piece together several opportunities to make this amount. Combining audiobook narration on ACX, beta reading, and freelance proofreading could easily earn you $200 or more per month. If you enjoy narrating, ACX is a great place to start, offering both flat rates and royalties from audiobook sales.

Can you make a living reading books?

Yes, it’s possible to make a living reading books, especially if you explore multiple income streams. Full-time jobs in this field might include proofreading, editing, audiobook narration, or even starting a book review blog or YouTube channel. However, many book-related jobs start as side hustles that can be scaled up over time.

Does Amazon or Audible pay you to read books?

Yes, with ACX, a platform owned by Amazon’s Audible, you can get paid to narrate audiobooks. ACX allows you to either set a per-hour rate or earn royalties from audiobook sales. It’s a fantastic opportunity if you want to get paid to read books aloud.

How much do you get paid for reading audiobooks?

The pay for reading audiobooks can vary widely depending on the project. On platforms like ACX, narrators can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per audiobook, based on the length of the book and the agreed payment terms (royalties or flat fees).

How Much Do Audiobook Narrators Get Paid?

Experienced narrators can earn $1,000 to $5,000 per audiobook, depending on the book’s length and royalty agreements.

Is It Possible to Get Paid to Read Books Online for Amazon?

Yes, through ACX, you can narrate audiobooks for Amazon’s Audible platform and earn royalties or flat fees.

Can I Make a Living Reading Books?

While it might start as a side hustle, combining opportunities like narration, reviews, and proofreading can turn your passion into a full-time income.

Can I read books on YouTube and get paid?

Yes! Many people earn money by reviewing or discussing books on YouTube. You can monetise your channel through affiliate links, ads, or sponsorships. For example, you can share affiliate links to the books you review, and once you reach enough views, you can start earning through YouTube ads as well.

What jobs pay you to read books?

Here’s a list of jobs where you can get paid to read:

Book reviewer
Proofreader
Audiobook narrator
Sensitivity reader
Beta reader
Translator
Editor
Book marketing assistant
Literary agent
These roles range from freelance gigs to full-time opportunities and offer different ways to turn your love for books into income.

Conclusion: How to Get Paid to Read Books

If you’ve always dreamed of getting paid to read, these 15 companies provide a variety of opportunities. Whether you enjoy reviewing, proofreading, or narrating books, there are countless ways to monetise your passion. With platforms like Kirkus Reviews, ACX, and Reedsy Discovery, you can turn your love for reading into a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time career. So why not dive into one of these opportunities and start getting paid to read today?