As we all know, reading is a good habit that not improves our thinking capacity but also encourages us to look at the world from a different perspective. If you love reading, why not turn it into a side-hustle and get paid to read books?
You might think that it is impossible and laugh at it at first, but it is a true thing. You can get paid for spending time on what you love: reading.
There are multiple ways in which you can earn money by reading books. The solution to this is reading and reviewing books, where you offer your own opinion of a book after you are done reading it. Every day or the other new books are being published, which creates a demand for book reviewers.
If you would want to get paid to read books online, here are some of the ways you can go about it.
Sites that pay you to write reviews of the books
1. The US Review of books
Payment: varies according to the review
The US Review of Books connects authors with professional book reviewers and places their book reviews in front of their subscribers to their monthly newsletter of fiction and nonfiction book reviews. Its way of working for a book reviewer is simple: when a book title is posted, reviewers can request to read it and get assigned. An average review ranges from 250-300 words, and if you want to be one of their reviewers, you have to apply first. Then, the site will ask for samples of your work and at least two professional references via email because they ask for strictly professional reviewers.
2. Kirkus Media
Payment: varies according to the review
It is one of the most famous and respected websites that offer extraordinary earning opportunities to all book lovers. To review the books there, you need to apply to their editor with your resume and writing samples. After you are done reading that book, you need to submit a 350-word review within two weeks. They pay quite a high price, although the final offered price depends upon the volume of the book.
3. Online Book Club
Payment: $5 to $60 per review
Online Book Club’s FAQ begins with a sarcastic-yet-true tag for all aspiring book reviewers: “First of all, this is not some crazy online get-rich-quick scheme. You won’t get rich, and you won’t be able to leave your day job.”
Here you will get a free copy of the book and you’ll get paid for your review of that book. One of the main features that make it stand up against its contemporaries is that once finished, you can write a completely honest review about it. We don’t necessarily have to write a good review, we can be critical too because this platform gives the freedom of expression.
4. Publisher’s Weekly
Payment: varies
It is a news magazine that is mainly focused on international book publishing, and all that entails. Publisher’s Weekly publishes book reviews on everything that ranges from sci-fi to romance, nonfiction, and horror. If you are interested in reviewing, send a resume and a sample review (approximately 200 words) of a recently published book to the reviewers and they will hire you if they find you fit for the position.
5 More Amazing Ways to Make Money Reading Books
You will be delighted to know that reviewing a book is not the only thing that can help you earn. There are plenty of other options. Some of them are listed below.
1.Become an audiobook narrator
Audiobooks are becoming popular day by day and hence, the demands for audio narrators are increasing too. There are many sites like ACX or Voices.com which are hiring narrators for the book. This is one of the best ways to earn money by doing what you love if you are not much into book reviewing. It does not even require any specific qualifications; all you need is a proper distinct voice and a good quality microphone.
2. Become an editor or proof-reader
. Editors review the content of a book and improvise to facilitate a better flow, correctness, and collection of ideas. Proof-readers review what is written to check for spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes. If you have a keen interest in reading and have a good concept of grammar, this is one of the best alternatives
3. Become a freelance reviewer
In this way, you can work with different companies without actually being under one specific institution. This is a great way to make money if time constraint is an issue. You can have flexible working hours and turn this into a side hustle.
4. Become a freelance beta writer
Beta readers are offered to read the book when the book has not been published yet. Their job is to read and provide reviews and criticism from a reader’s point of view. An author takes those inputs and makes necessary changes to improve the quality of content. It is a great way to earn money if you have an eye for detail and fluency in the language of the books you’re asked to read.
5. Become Book Summary Youtuber
Love reading books? Start your own youtube channel to become a book summary teller. There are several popular summaries narrating channels like Seeken to gain some inspiration from. This is one of the best ways to earn money online by doing what you love. It does not even require any specific qualifications; all you need is a proper distinct voice, a camera ( smartphone is good to start), A tripod and a good quality microphone. Here we have a comprehensive guide on how to start and grow a Youtube channel, Check it out.
As they say, do what you love and love what you do. If you have a hobby in reading, you can do so many more things apart from the points mentioned above. The possibilities are endless.
