Making money from reading books is indeed possible, and at money-central.com, we’re here to guide you through various avenues to turn your passion for reading into a profitable venture. This involves creating engaging content on social media, securing freelance gigs, or submitting reviews to paid platforms, you can convert your love for books into a tangible income stream. Discover financial rewards and explore diverse income opportunities by following our advice, including passive income, that will lead to financial freedom.
1. Make Money Reading Books for Social Media
One of the most popular and engaging ways to earn money by reading books is to establish a social media presence. You can build a reputation for reading books, sharing thoughtful insights, and influencing others to read or not read certain books.
All you need to start is a platform for posting content. Initially, you don’t even need to purchase books – use a library card or a Hoopla account to access books for free.
Here are some effective ways to make money by reading books through social media.
1.1. Post Your Video Thoughts on BookTok (and BookTube, and Bookstagram)
TikTok has received criticism, but it is actually enhancing literacy rates in the United States. Many users have enjoyed BookTok books such as The Hating Game, works by Emily Henry, and The Song of Achilles.
BookTok stands out as one of the best ways to earn money by reading books.
Here’s how it goes, the process is similar to that used for video-based book reviews.
First, create an account dedicated to book reviews. Clearly state the genres you enjoy.
Then, begin reviewing books, thinking carefully about how to make your videos unique and establish yourself as a reliable Bookfluencer.
Join the creator fund as soon as you meet the eligibility criteria. In 2021, Cait Jacobs reported that TikTok’s creator fund only pays 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views. Therefore, you would need 25,000 to 50,000 views to earn just one dollar.
Sponsorships can also be a profitable source of income.
Create the video once and share it across all three video platforms to maximize your impact. Although it may take some time, you can earn money by reading books using this method.
1.2. Write Your Review on a Blog to Earn Money by Reading Books
Blogging is an excellent way to earn money by reading books. Unlike video content, blogging offers a more flexible schedule, allowing you to post once or twice a week as you read and review books, gradually building an audience.
Monetize your blog with ads to generate income. It may take some time to gain momentum, but if you are passionate about books, you can share your reviews on your own website in addition to (or instead of) Goodreads.
1.3. Post About Books on Medium
Medium offers a royalty payment system. When a paying Medium member reads your post, you earn a portion of their monthly membership fee. More views translate to more income.
Share your book reviews on publications like Books Are Our Superpower to earn money by reading books. This method is simple and effective. You don’t need to worry about SEO for ad revenue, and you don’t need to host your own website. Simply post your thoughts, gain 100 followers, and start earning money by reading books and sharing your insights.
1.4. Podcast It
Podcasts, like BookTok or Bookstagram, are a great way to make money by reading books, but instead of recording both voice and face, you only use your voice.
Find a co-host or do it solo. Share your thoughts on the books you read. Generate income through sponsorships.
While most podcasts currently rely on ads for revenue, as your podcast grows, you can leverage your audience for Patreon support, sell bonus content, or secure exclusive deals with podcasting companies.
1.5. Use Affiliate Links
Affiliate links can be integrated into various methods and are significant enough to be considered separately as one of the best ways to make money by reading books.
Here’s how to earn money reading books with affiliate links:
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Join an affiliate program like Bookshop.org.
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Read a book.
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Find the book on Bookshop.org.
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Recommend the book to friends, on your blog, podcast, social media post, or newsletter.
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When someone purchases the book through your recommendation, you earn 10% of the sale.
This method is highly scalable. You can earn a few dollars with a single sale, and as your platform expands, your earnings will increase.
2. Freelance or Jobs
If you prefer not to manage a social media profile and want immediate payment rather than waiting for ad revenue or sponsorships, consider a career change or a side hustle. Freelance gigs or full-time jobs are excellent ways to make money by reading books. The advantage is immediate income, while the disadvantage is less control over the books you read.
Here are your options, including full-time career paths and casual, pay-as-you-go opportunities to earn money by reading books.
2.1. Narrate Audiobooks
Many people enjoy listening to audiobooks. If you have a pleasant voice, you are in high demand as an audiobook narrator. You can earn money by reading books aloud. Audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular. Over the last 10 years, the proportion of U.S. adults who have listened to an audiobook has doubled. It’s not surprising that you can get paid to read books for Audible.
Here are two programs where you can upload samples, secure contracts, and get paid for reading or narrating books.
With ACX, Amazon’s/Audible’s program, you can choose a royalty share or a per-finished-hour rate. Rates typically go for around $250 PFH or more. Amazon offers opportunities to read books for money.
Findaway Voices is a similar program with similar rates. You can sign up, upload samples, and get selected based on your accent or liveliness. Findaway Voices also helps authors get books into libraries, which benefits both authors and narrators by increasing earnings.
It’s recommended to use both platforms to maximize opportunities.
2.2. Indulge Your Grammar Nerd and Become an Editor
Editing is both a career and a freelance option. Depending on your education, you can apply for full-time editing positions or offer your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Editing involves grammatical corrections and structural or developmental improvements. This is a great way to get paid to read books and strengthen your craft.
2.3. Become a Literary Agent
Being a literary agent is a career option. It involves identifying promising, overlooked manuscripts, reading them, and helping them shine. Behind every successful book is a literary agent who believed in it from the start.
If you lack the necessary qualifications, start with an internship. Network extensively to build connections. Understand the publishing process inside and out. Then get paid for reading books, even if they are unpublished.
TCK Publishing offers a helpful guide on how to get started as a literary agent.
2.4. Translate Books
If you are fluent in more than one language, you can get paid to read books in one language (e.g., English, Spanish) and translate them into another. Translators play a vital role in sharing works across languages.
Alternatively, you can proofread books in another language. Platforms like FlexJobs, Fiverr, Upwork, Babelcube, and Ulatus are good places to find translation jobs.
This can be a full-time career or a side gig, depending on your passion for the job.
2.5. Proofread Books
Proofreading can be a full-time career, but it is more commonly a side hustle. It is an excellent way to earn money reading books because proofreaders work on books that are nearly ready for publishing. Editors handle the raw material, while proofreaders focus on minor errors.
You need a sharp eye and strong grammar skills, but it’s possible to make money reading books this way.
2.6. Design Book Covers
If you have good design instincts or are a graphic designer, this is a great way to earn money by reading books.
You’ll read books, conceptualize the main vibe, design a book cover, and get paid.
You can work freelance or apply for in-house positions as a book cover designer. Both paths offer opportunities to make money by reading books.
Your cover design is a significant factor in the book’s success, making it a crucial role for the author.
3. Submit Reviews
Submitting reviews for cash is a straightforward method involving three steps: read a book, write your review, and submit it to one of the platforms. This is a quick way to earn $200 or more by reading books.
While typical platforms like Kirkus Reviews pay for book reviews, here are five lesser-known platforms to make money by reading books.
3.1. Booklist
If you can write 150 to 175 words describing why you liked or didn’t like a book, including the plot and target audience, Booklist might be for you.
They pay $15 per review. You don’t need a library degree, just familiarity with books and libraries to apply.
3.2. The US Review of Books
This is more of a freelance position for experienced book reviewers. You need to contact the editor with a resume, sample work, and at least two professional references.
Reviews should be 250-300 words long, including a summary and additional insights. The reviews are paid, but the exact amount is not specified.
3.3. Reedsy
Reedsy operates differently. Instead of paying for reviews, you earn tips. Write a review, post it on the site, and wait. If readers appreciate your review, they may tip you $1, $3, or $5.
3.4. Bookbrowse
Bookbrowse is another excellent platform for submitting reviews. They offer a “modest payment” and typically assign one review per month to their reviewers. Applicants should read sample reviews and provide quality samples of at least 300 words.
3.5. Online Book Club
For your first review, you receive a free book instead of cash. After your first sample book, you become eligible for paid book review opportunities, earning between $5 and $60 per book review.
Simply enter your email address and sign up. It takes just a minute to sign up and claim a free book. Then, confirm the download within an hour and submit a review within 14 days.
4. Miscellaneous Ways of Making Money by Reading Books
These methods don’t fit neatly into the other categories but are still effective ways to make money by reading books.
4.1. Create a Paid Book Club
You need friends or a social circle for this. Choose a book, create some buzz, request a small payment for organizing, and start a book club.
Members pay a monthly fee to join the book club, which covers the cost of organizing and hosting the meetings. The organizer earns a modest income based on the number of attendees.
This won’t make you rich, but it’s a great way to make money reading books you love and spending time with friends.
4.2. Join Apps That Pay You to Read
Booksta claims to let you “get paid to read.” You read a book, take a quiz on Booksta, and earn Booksta coins based on your score.
Booksta coins are valued at $5 per coin. The site indicates that coins may be transferable to real USD.
5. FAQ: How to Make Money Reading Books
5.1. Is it really possible to get paid for reading books?
Yes, it is possible to get paid for reading books through various avenues such as writing book reviews, narrating audiobooks, editing, and more. Each option offers unique ways to monetize your reading skills and passion.
5.2. What are the best websites to find book reviewing jobs?
Some of the best websites to find book reviewing jobs include Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, The US Review of Books, Reedsy, and Bookbrowse. These platforms offer opportunities for both novice and experienced reviewers.
5.3. How much can I earn as an audiobook narrator?
As an audiobook narrator, you can earn around $250 per finished hour (PFH) or more. Earnings can vary based on your experience, the length of the book, and the platform you use, such as ACX or Findaway Voices.
5.4. What qualifications do I need to become a literary agent?
To become a literary agent, you typically need strong networking skills, a deep understanding of the publishing process, and the ability to identify promising manuscripts. Internships are also highly recommended to gain experience.
5.5. Can I make money reading books if I’m fluent in multiple languages?
Yes, being fluent in multiple languages opens opportunities to translate books and proofread translations. Platforms like FlexJobs, Fiverr, Upwork, Babelcube, and Ulatus often list translation jobs.
5.6. How can I use social media to earn money by reading books?
You can use social media by creating engaging content such as book reviews on platforms like BookTok, BookTube, and Bookstagram. Building a following and leveraging affiliate links can also generate income.
5.7. What is the first step to start a paid book club?
The first step to starting a paid book club is to gather a group of friends or create a social circle interested in reading and discussing books. Then, select a book, set a membership fee, and organize regular meetings.
5.8. Are there apps that pay you to read books?
Yes, apps like Booksta claim to pay you to read books. You earn rewards by reading and taking quizzes on the app, though it’s important to verify the actual payout mechanisms.
5.9. Is editing a good way to get paid to read books?
Yes, editing is a great way to get paid to read books because it involves a close reading of manuscripts and offers opportunities for both freelance and full-time positions.
5.10. How do affiliate links work for earning money by reading books?
Affiliate links work by joining an affiliate program, reading a book, recommending it with a unique link, and earning a commission when someone purchases the book through your link.
6. Conclusion: The Best Way to Make Money by Reading Books
The ideal way to make money by reading books doesn’t exist yet. Today, the primary methods include:
- Creating content on social media
- Securing freelance gigs in editing, designing, or proofreading
- Submitting reviews to paid platforms
- Exploring other options like starting a paid book club or using novelty apps
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