Look, I get it. Your shelves are full, your Kindle is screaming to get another book in it, and still… somehow you feel that you need to read one more chapter.
But books aren’t cheap. And nobody talks about how fast the costs pile up. Time, money, and the never-ending list of new titles… your wallet eventually looks at you like, “please stop, I can’t handle this.”
So imagine this: what if you could get paid to read books? Like real money. For doing the same thing you already do before falling asleep. Sounds fake, right? I thought so too. Then I found out there are legit websites that pay you to read books. No weird surveys. No 40-step tasks. Just reading, reviewing, and earning.
None of those oddball gimmicks, none of that fill-out 40 things, etc. Simply reading – revising – making money.
Others are even earning more or less per review, namely, $50, $100, and occasionally, even $200 on the basis of the platform. And if you ever wondered whether book reviewing for money is a real side hustle… yep, it absolutely is.
In this guide, I’m breaking down 12 real, legitimate, actually-paying platforms where you can start today, whether you’re looking for chill paid book reviewer jobs, audiobook narration gigs, or even long-term career-style opportunities.
Grab your favorite blanket, curl up in your reading corner, and let’s get into the world of how to get paid to read books, because honestly, it’s way more doable than people think.
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews is honestly one of the best places if you’re trying to get paid to read books without jumping through weird hoops. As a Kirkus book reviewer, you usually earn $50 for a 350-word review, and sometimes even $75 if your work hits their “exceptional” level.
Picture books? Still around $40, which feels like the easiest money in the whole book reviewing for money world.
A large majority of assignments are run through the Kirkus Indie program, in which you read self-published books, which are yet to reach the mainstream.
It’s perfect if you’re hunting paid book reviewer jobs or want legit freelance book reviewer jobs that don’t feel scammy. After applying with the help of writing samples, they allow you to select your genres and tend to send 1-2 books in a month. The reviews will be done within approximately two weeks.
No bylines, but consistent work and solid pay make Kirkus one of the few websites that pay you to read books and actually mean it.
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)
If you’ve ever wondered whether people actually get paid to read books out loud, the answer is yes, and ACX is pretty much where everyone starts. As an acx audiobook narrator, you’re basically bringing someone’s story to life with just your voice.
It is not an easy name to say, yet, in the real sense, it has thousands of amateur actors who plunge into it without any elaborate acting experience. Halfway there is achieved when you are in a position to read legibly and not like a robot.
ACX works kind of like a marketplace: authors post projects, you audition, and if they like your vibe, boom, you’ve got an audiobook narrator job. A lot of people make money reading audiobooks by choosing between hourly pay and royalty share.
Depending on the book and your experience, audiobook narration rates can land anywhere from a few hundred dollars to how much does an audiobook narrator make? It is not abnormal to pay $1,000-5,000 per audiobook that is completed.
Most beginners start with shorter books just to build samples, but if you stick with it, there are plenty of acx audiobook narration jobs waiting.
All you simply have to do is have a good mic, a quiet place, and the self-acceptance that you have someone listening. You definitely can earn money reading audiobooks–more than you’d expect.
Women’s Review of Books
Women’s Review of Books is honestly such a different vibe compared to the usual get paid to read books websites. If you’re bored with short, quick reviews and want something deeper and more thoughtful, this platform actually lets you write about poetry, memoirs, feminist nonfiction, and even graphic novels.
It’s more niche, but in a good way. As a Women’s Review of Books reviewer, you’re stepping into a space that actually values nuance instead of word count.
It’s a print publication focused on feminist book reviews, mostly covering books written by women. The pay is actually solid, too, around $100 for a 700–1200-word review.
It’s one of those rare paid book reviewer jobs that actually pays you like a writer, not like someone grinding out tiny blurbs for pennies.
If you want to apply, you basically pitch them over email with a proposal. And if you’re trying to build credibility for long-term freelance book reviewer jobs, this one helps you look legit while still doing book reviewing for money on your own terms.
Instaread
Instaread is kind of the place you end up when you’re tired of writing tiny little reviews and you actually want to earn money reading in a bigger way. Instead of jotting down 150 words, you become an Instaread summarizer, which means you’re breaking down an entire book into a clean, detailed summary.
Their summaries are longer, too, usually 25 minutes or more in audio form, so you’re not just skimming the surface. You’re actually digging in.
If long-form writing doesn’t scare you, this is one of the better book summarizer jobs out there. They pay around $100 for a 1,000–1,500-word summary, which is honestly generous compared to most book reviewing for money websites.
You apply, send samples, and if they like your style, you start getting assignments that eventually get turned into audio versions.
The best part? Accepted writers get free access to the Instaread app. Not a bad perk if you love books. It’s definitely one of those rare platforms where you truly get paid to read books and summarize them in your own words.
Writerful Books
Writerful Books is one of those quieter corners of the internet where new and up-and-coming authors hang out, trying to get their stories out into the world. If you’ve ever wanted to get paid to read books while supporting fresh voices, this is honestly a pretty wholesome place to do it.
They offer editing, beta reading, and full reviews, but the best part is that every review is written by a real human. As a Writerful Books reviewer, you’re actually expected to give honest, thoughtful feedback. No AI shortcuts, no bland template reviews.
They welcome reviewers from all kinds of backgrounds, and you actually get to pick the books you’re interested in. So if you hate sci-fi or can’t stand heavy academic writing, you can avoid it entirely. It’s one of the few paid book reviewer jobs where you feel like you have some control.
To apply, you just fill out their form. If the editor decides your chosen book is the “book of the month,” they’ll reach out with instructions.
Depending on the quality of your review, you usually earn $10–$50, which makes this a chill, flexible option for anyone doing freelance book reviewer jobs or testing the waters of book reviewing for money.
Fiverr
In the event that you have ever wondered, I wish someone would just pay me to clean up their messy writing, then Fiverr is truly the least complicated place to begin.
This whole platform is like a giant marketplace where people post what they need, and you jump in as a fiverr proofreading freelancer. You do not require any fancy degree or anything.
With a decent command of the English language, a laptop, and the patience to spot small mistakes, you are already halfway there. That’s why a lot of beginners search for proofreading jobs for beginners here because it’s actually doable.
The word proofreading makes one sick; however, it is better to believe that people will pay good money just to be sure that their book, blog post, or resume does not have a humiliating typo.
It’s one of those quiet ways to earn money proofreading while sipping coffee at home. You just make a profile, add a few samples, and suddenly you’re offering freelance proofreading work, ebook polishing, or even book reviewing for money if you want to mix it up.
Clients find you, place orders, and boom, you get paid to read books or fix them. Fiverr is not going to bring you wealth in a few days, but it is one of the most reliable ways to begin to earn online without feeling lost and confused.
eBookFairs
eBookFairs is one of those platforms you kind of stumble across and think, “Wait… people really do this?” But yep, they do. It’s basically an online space where authors team up for virtual book fairs, and tucked inside all that is their Paid Reader Program, which is where you come in as an eBookFairs reviewer. If you’re trying to get paid to read books, this one is actually pretty straightforward.
Here’s the catch, though: they only pay for books over 100 pages. Anything shorter? Nope, that’s on you. For the longer ones, you earn $10 for every 200-word review, which isn’t bad for easy book reviewing for money. But because everyone wants these little paid book reviewer jobs, the spots fill up fast. And before you start earning, you’ll have to write your first two reviews for free so they can see if you’re actually good.
Once accepted, they expect at least one review per month, or you’re basically dropped. It’s a bit strict, but among websites that pay you to read books, this is one of the few where the system is clear and predictable, and your book reviewer income grows as you go.
Booklist
Booklist is one of those places that looks a little old-school at first, but don’t let that fool you; it’s actually a solid spot if you’re trying to get paid to read books without needing a giant portfolio. They primarily liaise with librarians and schools; therefore, the atmosphere is somewhat scholarly, but the reviewing itself is fairly easy. As a Booklist reviewer, you write around 150-175 words and earn $15 per review. Yeah, it’s not life-changing money, but for a booklist reviewer job, it’s a nice way to dip your toes into book reviewing for money.
One cool thing? You actually get a byline, which helps if you’re hunting long-term freelance book reviewer jobs or trying to build credibility. What is rather strange is that only after the review is published, payment comes, and sometimes that can take ages. They will do a $5 penalty on you since you drop a book halfway through reading it, but… it is their system, I guess.
New reviewers are typically apprentices who must demonstrate the ability to provide clean and reliable reviews before receiving regular assignments. But once you’re in, Booklist becomes one of those small but steady paid book reviewer jobs that help you grow without drowning you.
U.S. Review of Books
U.S. Review of Books feels a bit more “official” compared to other websites that pay you to read books, but in a good way. Everything runs through their monthly newsletter, and as a U.S. Review of Books reviewer, you actually get to pick which titles you want to work on. It’s kinda nice not being forced into genres you hate. The whole system is freelance, so it’s perfect if you’re trying to ease into freelance book reviewer jobs without a heavy workload.
To apply, you send your writing samples plus two references. Yeah, it sounds a little formal, but once you’re in, it’s smooth. You browse a list of available books, request the one you want, and if the author approves you, the book is yours. You get about 2–3 weeks to write an honest review and add a small recommendation rating.
The pay depends on word count: $25 for 300 words or $75 for 600 words, which is actually decent book reviewer income for flexible book reviewing for money. Overall, it’s one of the more stable paid book reviewer jobs out there.
Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy Discovery feels a little different from the usual websites that pay you to read books, mostly because you’re reviewing titles before they’re even published. It is a bit of an adventure, truthfully speaking, as a secret entry into a secret world. As a Reedsy Discovery reviewer, you basically help authors launch their books by posting your reviews on the Discovery feed, where readers can find them.
The application procedure is easy; you give a writing sample of at least 300 words, and if they like it, you are in. After accepting it, you will see a list of titles and select what interests you. If your profile looks strong, some authors might even request you specifically, which feels pretty cool if you’re trying to grow as a reviewer or build credibility for future freelance book reviewer jobs.
Reedsy doesn’t pay a fixed rate like most paid book reviewer jobs. Rather, your readers give you a tip – typically $1, $3, or $6 – in case they like what you have reviewed. It’s not huge money, but if you’re doing book reviewing for money and the joy of early reads, it’s a nice bonus. The authors set the deadlines, which are, however, reasonable in most cases. It’s one of the more fun ways to get paid to read books without tons of pressure.
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly (PW) honestly feels like the fancy, intimidating big sibling of every other paid book reviewer job out there. It’s one of the most respected magazines in the entire publishing world, so even though the pay is only $25 for a 180–200-word review, the credibility you get is wild. A lot of reviewers say it opened doors they didn’t even know existed. If you’re trying to get paid to read books and build a name in publishing, this is a solid stepping stone.
The nice part is the flexibility as a Publishers Weekly reviewer; you can choose how many books you want per month. Some people take one every few weeks, others do two a month. And if an assignment looks boring? You can decline it. Editors vary, but overall, it’s super manageable for anyone juggling work, life, or other freelance book reviewer jobs.
The application feels a bit formal: you need a CV and a sample review written in their exact style. And nope, no bylines here. Your name doesn’t show up anywhere. But the trade-off is real: you gain experience, credibility, and steady book reviewer income without drowning in long reviews. It’s honestly one of the cleaner routes into book reviewing for money.
Online Book Club
Online Book Club is probably one of the easiest places for beginners who just want to get paid to read books without dealing with applications, writing samples, or any scary “submit your CV” steps. You literally sign up and start reviewing. The pay ranges from $5 to $60 per review, and yeah, it’s not glamorous at first, especially because your first review isn’t paid. But you do get a free book, which honestly feels like a nice warm-up round before real money shows up.
As your reviewer score grows, you start unlocking higher-paying titles. That’s why you’ll see lots of people searching online book club reviews or even wondering if Online Book Club is legit, and yes, it actually is. You just have to climb the ladder a bit. Some reviewers even move up to editor roles, which pay more and look good if you’re exploring long-term paid book reviewer jobs or other book reviewing for money opportunities.
The best part? You pick your books from a list. No surprises, no genres you hate. Former reviewers say you can only grab the higher-paying ones once your score improves, but hey, that’s motivation. For beginners exploring websites that pay you to read books, this is a solid, low-stress start with plenty of online book club free books for review along the way.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, getting paid to read books is way more real than people think.
Whether you want a small side income or a long-term reading gig, there’s a platform for everyone.
Start with one or two sites, build your confidence, and let the opportunities grow.
And honestly… if you already love reading, earning from it just feels like a bonus.
FAQs
1. Can you actually get paid to read books?
Yes several legit websites pay you for reviewing, summarizing, or narrating books. Different platforms offer anywhere from $5 to $200+ depending on the type of work.
2. Do you need experience to start?
Nope, beginners can start right away on sites like Online Book Club or Fiverr. A basic ability to write honest, clear reviews is usually enough.
3. Which platform pays the most?
Kirkus Reviews and Instaread are among the highest-paying for written reviews. ACX audiobook narration can pay even more, depending on the book length.
4. How long does it take to get paid?
It varies with some sites pay immediately, others only when your review is published.Most platforms pay within 1–4 weeks, depending on their system.
5. Is book reviewing a legit side hustle?
Yes, many people earn a consistent monthly income from reviewing or proofreading.It can even grow into editing, publishing, or audiobook narration careers.