Are you a bookworm? Turn your passion into profit! From Save, check out three different ways to get paid to read books!
Are you a book lover? Can you knock out a paperback in a day or two? Have you ever wished you could get paid for reading books? Believe it or not, in the modern world you can do just that! You probably won’t get rich, unless you happen to become a famous editor, but at Save, we know that every dollar adds up. Here’s how to get paid to read books.
People who get paid to read books fall into three basic categories: Book reviewer, copyeditor, or audiobook narrator. Of these, book reviewer is by far the easiest place to start.
There are many websites that pay cash for book reviews. You’ll need to read the book and submit an in-depth, thoughtful review. Every site works a bit differently, but in general, you will need to read the books you are assigned (rather than just reviewing whatever’s on your shelf). Your reviews must be genuine and objective. You likely won’t be asked to continue if all your reviews are five-star (or one-star for that matter).
Some of the biggest websites for book reviewers include Kirkus Media, Online Book Club, and the U.S. Review of Books. You’ll need to submit your resume and writing samples to each site.
Becoming a book editor is more complicated, but certainly not impossible. There are different types of editors, from line editors to copyeditors, but the path is generally much the same. You will definitely need some experience in the publishing field, which many people gain by becoming book reviewers first. If you don’t have a degree in a related field, you may want to take some online courses to add skills and boost your resume. The Society for Editing (ACES) is a good first stop.
Are you known for your clear diction and ability to emote through your voice? Maybe being an audiobook narrator is the best way for you to get paid to read books. You’ll need to make an initial investment in your recording space and equipment, but if you do well you will quickly recoup the costs. You’ll also need to do some practice runs, as reading into a microphone isn’t as easy as it might seem.
When you’re ready to go, you can advertise your services independently on a site such as Fiverr or Upwork. Be sure to build a portfolio website and add new projects as you complete them. Once you have some experience under your belt, you might want to consider applying to a platform such as Audible. This can provide more consistent work than freelancing.
Getting paid to read books can certainly increase your income. But at Save, it’s always our mission to help you save money as you find more joy in life. Discover new ways to use lavender leaves, learn to make kimchi, or figure out how to build a better skincare routine. Be sure to visit the Save Coupon Book Finder to look for discounts and deals in your own backyard.
