10 Best Ways to Get Paid to Read Books (2026)
Trying to make the most of ways get paid read? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.
Key Takeaways
- Share This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, advisory, or brokerage services.
- We may earn compensation from some links on this page.
- There are many legit ways to get paid to read books.
There are numerous legit ways to get paid to read books. Some are traditional jobs, while others involve freelance work or starting a side hustle. This article highlights the best options, focusing exclusively on opportunities that pay actual money (not just free books or swag).
Table of Contents
Toggle#1. Write Book Reviews
Quick summary: Thanks to all the self-published books flooding the market these days, book review companies and websites can’t afford to hire enough full-time staff to keep up. That means they hire freelancers to give honest reviews of new books. With hundreds of thousands of books being published each year, a book reviewer’s job is to help readers choose where their book reading time and money are best spent.
Skills and requirements: A good reviewer can quickly sum up the plot of a book without spoilers. They can also make a compelling argument as to why people should read the book (or why they should pass on it), without falling back too much on their own preferences. Being familiar with literary criticism is helpful but not necessary, although you should spend some time reading an outlet like the New York Times Book Review to get a feel for the format.
Earning potential: While there are legitimate companies that will pay you to review books, the rate is typically low on a per-hour basis. If it takes three hours to write a review that you sell for $25, you’ve barely made minimum wage. However, the benefit for you is the chance to gain some experience and get a byline, which can boost your profile as a book reviewer and open up better paying opportunities (like writing for newspapers and magazines). These bylines can also be useful for establishing credibility if you decide to start your own book review blog (see #5, below).
Getting started: Here’s a list of outlets that pay cash for book reviews and are open to writers with little or no experience.
- Book Browse: This is an online magazine that publishes reviews and news about the publishing industry. There are not a lot of opportunities however, and the site provides only a byline and “modest” payment.
- Booklist: This is a review journal for librarians. The work ranges from writing blog posts to full book reviews. The site pays between $12.50 and $15 per book review, which is low. That said, it’s a legit outlet and a good place to have a byline.
- Kirkus Reviews: Kirkus Media encompasses a few different businesses, including Kirkus Reviews and Kirkus Indie. Kirkus Reviews is a magazine and website that publishes reviews across a variety of genres, on books both self-published and traditionally-published. Reviews are typically around 350 words each.
- Online Book Club: This review site gives you a free copy of the book you’re reviewing and pays for honest reviews. Reviewers earn between $5 and $60 per review.
- Publishers Weekly: This is a mainstream magazine and website focused on the book publishing industry. It lists jobs for other companies on its job board, and sometimes review opportunities for itself.
- Reedsy Discovery: Reedsy is dedicated to reviewing self-published books. Authors can contact a book reviewer directly, and readers are paid via tips by readers who appreciated the review.
- US Review of Books: This is a free monthly newsletter of book reviews covering both fiction and non-fiction. Submit a resume, writing sample, and two or more references. If you’re accepted, you can choose from a list of books to review that’s posted on the site. Books are assigned on a “first come, first served” and “best-fit basis.” Reviewers are paid each month for completed reviews from the previous month.
#2. Proofread Books
Quick summary: A proofreader checks text for spelling, grammar and typographical errors. Proofreaders are vital because it’s difficult for writers to spot their own mistakes. When you read over your own work, it’s simple to overlook small mistakes because you’re laser-focused on improving the content. Plus, you’ve read the work so numerous times that your eyes start to gloss over the details. That’s why almost every book or article is reviewed by a proofreader prior to publication.
Skills and requirements: There are several software programs (like Grammarly) that can help catch mistakes, but they all use algorithms. As such, they only go so far and they’re no substitute for a human proofreader. Those with an English or literature degree will excel at this job, but anyone with a good eye for small errors that a regular reader wouldn’t notice , as well as a good grasp of spelling, grammar and punctuation , can thrive in this field.
Earning potential: Thousands of authors self-publish books and sell them online (primarily via Amazon), and they frequently turn to freelance marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork to hire a proofreader. This means there’s a lot of work available for aspiring proofreaders, and you can expect to make between $25 and $50 per hour , although you might have to start out with lower rates to gain experience and build a reputation
Getting started: Read our guide to starting a freelance proofreading career, and check out Proofread Anywhere, which offers a free 76-minute workshop.
Proofread AnywhereLearn How to Become a Proofreader
Proofread Anywhere is the go-to resource for people looking to break into the work-from-home proofreading industry. The free 76-minute workshop explains how to know whether proofreading is a good fit for you, and how to get started if you decide that it is.
Final ThoughtsThe bottom line: a little research on ways get paid read goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.
Originally published at thewaystowealth.com.
R.J. Weiss
Our editorial team researches and verifies every money-saving guide before publishing. Editorial policy · About us
