Do you like to read? Do you want to earn money? If so, you might be able to find some side hustle gigs that pay you to do what you love: read books.
Check out this list of companies that will pay you to read books, and think about whether a partnership with one of these book reviewer companies is a good way for you to make some extra cash while doing something you love to do.
How to Get Paid in Cash to Read Books
This is a list of companies that pay cash for reading books and writing a review. As you’ll read later, not all companies pay reviewers in this manner.
1. Kirkus Media
Kirkus Media is a company that specializes primarily in book reviews. That means they are often hiring reviewers to read books and write reviews of roughly 350 words.
You need to submit your resume, writing samples, and a list of reviewing specialties to Kirkus if you want to be considered for the job. Adding talents or experience to the email address on their website will help too.
The company also occasionally hires copy editors and editors as well, meaning you have three opportunities with Kirkus to get paid for reading books.
2. Online Book Club
Online Book Club is a company that pays between $5 and $60 for book reviews, depending on the length of the book, etc.
The company is looking for honest reviews of the books they send to members, and it is free to become a member. Online Book Club sends out books to you at no charge.
You have to do your first review you do with Online Book Club for free. This is the company’s way of being able to determine that you’re right for a job as a book reviewer with their company.
You will get paid for any subsequent reviews done for Online Book Club.
3. Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly is a weekly news magazine that focuses on the book publishing business. Their website does have a career page that often features job opening information for editors, copyeditors, and book reviewers.
However, they also occasionally look for book reviewers. All reviewers that get hired by Publishers Weekly are paid an honorarium, although the site doesn’t specify what that amount is.
The company looks to publish reviews for all types of fiction (including graphic novels) and non-fiction books.
Publishers Weekly wants reviews for both traditionally published and self-published books. You need to send the company a resume’ as well as a 200-word sample review of a recently published book if you want to apply as a potential reviewer.
4. The U.S. Review of Books
The U.S. Review of Books is a company that publishes book reviews of thousands of books in a variety of different genres. The company regularly seeks reviewers to write 250-300 word reviews of books for publication on its company site.
You request reviewer status for this company when they post available books for review on their site. You’ll earn pay for reviews you complete on a monthly basis.
5. Women’s Review of Books
The Women’s Review of Books is a publication that, well, reviews books written by and about women. The site is based out of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College, in collaboration with Old City Publishing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
You must send in your resume, samples of published reviews and a cover letter to be considered for assignments.
That’s not to say that they won’t accept someone who hasn’t reviewed for pay, but it’s important that your review samples are “lively, thought-provoking and accessible to a broad audience of interested readers”.
Timeliness and professionalism are important as well to the powers-that-be; they want reviewers who can meet a deadline. Most reviewers get fourteen cents per paid word, and the company welcomes suggestions for books to review as well.
6. Upwork
Upwork, a freelancing network that connects freelancers with those in need of help, may offer some positions for writing reviews on books for websites or blogs. Of course, job availability varies.
Upwork offers thousands of jobs in a variety of genres, often including jobs for book reviewers that are paid as independent contractors.
Related Post: How to Make Money Writing a Book
7. Reedsy.com
Reedsy.com is a fantastic resource for people who want to get paid to read books. The platform connects authors with a wide range of professionals in the publishing industry, including editors, proofreaders, and book reviewers.
This means that there are always opportunities available for people who are interested in reading and reviewing books for a fee.
One of the great things about Reedsy is that it allows you to set your own rates and choose the types of books that you want to review. This means that you can tailor your work to your interests and expertise, and only take on projects that you feel qualified to review.
In addition to connecting reviewers with authors, Reedsy also offers a range of resources and tools for writers, including a library of writing prompts and a marketplace for freelance editors.
These resources make Reedsy a valuable resource for anyone looking to break into the publishing industry or improve their writing skills.
8. My Reader Rewards Club
My Reader Rewards Club is a great resource for people who want to get paid to read books. The platform offers a range of rewards and incentives for readers, including gift cards, merchandise, and cash prizes.
It is an attractive option for anyone who loves reading and is looking for a way to earn some extra money.
One of the standout features of My Reader Rewards Club is its extensive selection of books. The platform offers a wide range of genres and formats, including ebooks, audiobooks, and physical copies. This means that there is something for everyone, regardless of your reading preferences.
In addition to its rewards program, My Reader Rewards Club also offers a range of resources for readers, including book recommendations, reading guides, and author interviews. These resources make it a valuable resource for anyone who loves reading and is looking to discover new books and authors.
The platform offers a wide range of rewards and incentives, as well as a wealth of resources for readers.
9. Writerful Books
Writerful Books is an excellent resource for people who want to get paid to read books. The platform offers a range of opportunities for reviewers, including the chance to review advance copies of books, as well as newly-released titles.
This means that there is always something new and exciting to read, and reviewers have the opportunity to discover new authors and genres.
One of the standout features of Writerful Books is the range of resources that it offers for reviewers. The platform provides guidelines for writing reviews, as well as tips on how to get the most out of your review experience. This is particularly useful for new reviewers, who may not be familiar with the process of reviewing books.
In addition to its review opportunities, Writerful Books also offers a range of resources for writers, including writing prompts, writing tips, and a marketplace for freelance editors. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their writing skills or break into the publishing industry.
The platform offers a wide range of opportunities for reviewers, as well as a wealth of resources for writers.
How To Get “Paid” with Free Books
Some sites that look for book reviews won’t pay you in actual cash, but they will give you a free hard copy of the book you review for keeps.
Here is a list of some of the sites that will send free books for you to review and keep:
10. Bethany House
Bethany House is a publisher that focuses on publishing books that represent historic Christianity. The company requires that those who review for them on their own blog to be willing to post Bethany House reviews on that blog site.
As a reviewer for Bethany House, you must write reviews at least 75 words in length (not including the plot synopsis) and publish the review both on your personal blog and on a retail website such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
The company chooses reviewers on a first-come, first-served basis. Bethany House sends out both a fiction and a non-fiction list of books available for review each month. Approved reviewers who respond first get a book copy for reviewing purposes.
Note that they do have a limited number of each copy of the books they need reviews for. For that reason, it’s important to act fast if you want to be accepted as a reviewer of a book after the lists are published.
11. Book Browse
Book Browse is an “online magazine for book lovers” that publishes reviews and other information. They are looking for reviewers who want free books in exchange for a review.
Members get books on a varying schedule depending on how many publishers are sending books to Book Browse. Review opportunities range from every three months to more often, and occasionally less often, based on opportunities.
12. Chicago Book Review
The Chicago Book Review is a popular literary site with the goal of highlighting “Chicago’s publishing world and the great books it produces”. The site shares reviews of many of the books birthed from Chicago’s 125+ book publishing companies.
The company is looking for reviewers who are “dedicated to providing quality, considered, well-written reviews that go beyond ‘I love this book!’ and ‘What a great book!’”.
If you love writing thoughtful and detailed book reviews and getting free books to do so, consider sending The Chicago Book Review your resume and writing samples.
13. Net Galley
Net Galley is looking for librarians, booksellers, educators, reviewers, and bloggers to read the books promoted on the Net Galley site and write reviews for those books.
One of the standout features of Net Galley is the range of genres and formats available. The platform offers a wide range of ebooks, audiobooks, and physical copies, which means that there is something for everyone, regardless of your reading preferences.
Additionally, Net Galley is a great resource for finding books that are not yet released, so you can be one of the first to read and review them.
In addition to its review opportunities, Net Galley also offers a range of resources for reviewers, including guidelines for writing reviews and tips on how to get the most out of your review experience. This is particularly useful for new reviewers, who may not be familiar with the process of reviewing books.
14. New Pages
New Pages is a site for “Engaged Readers and Creative Writers”. If you like to read books, you can sign up to send them suggestions of books you’d like to read or write a review on and they’ll send you a copy of the book.
The company is looking to hire reviewers that can write a lively, engaging review in easy-to-read yet intelligent language.
Honest reviews are important, but they prefer reviews that are about books you love and not about books that weren’t so great.
15. eBookFairs.com
eBookFairs.com has an incredible paid reader program. You have the chance to make a small amount of money by reading and providing insightful editorial reviews for the books available on their platform.
To do so, eBookFairs requires you follow a few simple guidelines. It has to be clear that you read the book and write a minimum of 200 word review. Reviews need to be grammatically clear, free of grammar and spelling errors.
eBookFairs.com provides their full guidelines to becoming a reviewer. Make sure to check the list so you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to getting paid to read books, there are a few common questions we have encountered.
What are some common ways to get paid to read books?
There are several ways to get paid to read books, including:
– Reviewing books for websites or publishers
– Participating in paid book clubs or reading programs
– Being an advanced reader for authors or publishers
– Teaching or tutoring students in literature or language arts
How much can I expect to earn by reading books?
The amount you can earn by reading books will depend on the specific opportunity you are pursuing. Reviewing books for websites or publishers may pay a small fee per review, while participating in paid book clubs or reading programs may offer a fixed payment for reading and reviewing a certain number of books.
What qualifications or skills do I need to get paid to read books?
The qualifications or skills required to get paid to read books will depend on the specific opportunity you are pursuing. Reviewing books for websites or publishers may require excellent writing and analytical skills, as well as a love of reading. Participating in paid book clubs or reading programs may not have strict qualifications, but you may be required to write reviews or participate in discussions.
Are there any risks or drawbacks to getting paid to read books?
There are some potential risks or drawbacks to getting paid to read books, depending on the specific opportunity you are pursuing. Reviewing books for websites or publishers may require you to read books that you are not interested in, and you may not have control over the books you are assigned.
Participating in paid book clubs or reading programs may require you to commit to reading and reviewing a certain number of books within a set timeframe, which may be challenging if you have other commitments.
Being an advance reader for authors or publishers may require you to keep the book confidential until its release, which may limit your ability to discuss it with others.
Teaching or tutoring students in literature or language arts may require a significant time commitment, and may involve some challenges or difficulties in working with students.
Summary
There are several companies out there that actually pay people to read books. Imagine indulging in one of your favorite pastimes – reading – and getting paid to do so.
The platforms listed above offer a wide range of rewards and incentives, as well as a wealth of resources for readers.
