
How to Earn Money Reading Books: Tips, Sites & Full-Time Income
Earning money by reading books is a dream job for many literature lovers and avid readers. The rise of digital platforms has opened numerous possibilities to transform this passion into a substantial income source. You can earn gift cards by playing games or reading with this guide. The guide outlining various methods, actionable steps, tips to maximize earnings, how to avoid common pitfalls, and achieve sustainable success in the book industry.
Ways to Earn Money Reading Books
Paid Book Reviews | Proofreader or Copyeditor | Narrate Audiobooks | Book Influencer | Paid Reading Programs or Online Book Clubs | Launch a Podcast or YouTube Channel | Offer Courses or Consulting on Literature | |
Description | Share your thoughts and opinions about books and get paid for it | Work closely with authors or publishers to polish manuscripts before publishing | Bring stories alive with your voice | A method involves growing a following by creating book-related content | Get into platforms that either pay or incentivise reading, reviewing, or sharing books | Express your passion for books by creating and monetizing book-related content through ads, sponsorships, or Patreon | Share your expertise with enthusiasts through courses |
Popular Platforms | Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Online Book Club | Reedsy, Fiverr, and Upwork | ACX and Findaway Voices | Amazon Associates, Bookshop.org, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube | Online Book Club and Reedsy Discovery | Skillshare or Teachable | Skillshare or Teachable |
Additional Platforms | Booklist, Women’s Review of Books, Reedsy Discovery | ProofreadingPal, Grammar Chic | eBookFairs | ||||
Payment Range | $5 – $60 per review | $15 – $50/hour for beginners and up to $100/hour for experts | $50 – $500 PFH, Royalty Share | Earn between $50 – $500+ for promoting a book to your audience | Complimentary books to additional payments for honest reviews |
Book Reviewer Demographics
- Gender Ratio: 74.3% female, 25.7% male.
- Average Salary: $44,791.
- Educational Attainment:
- Bachelor’s: 59%
- Master’s: 24%
- Associate: 8%
- Doctorate: 5%
- Other Degrees: 4%.
Audiobook Narrator Earnings
- Beginners: $50,000 per year, $24.50 per hour.
- Intermediate: Starting at $52,000 per year.
- Veterans: $40 or more per hour, approximately $83,000 per year.
- Compensation Methods:
- Per Finished Hour (PFH): $50 – $500+ per hour.
- Royalty Share: Earn a percentage of audiobook sales.
Book Reviewer Employment Statistics
- Company Size:
- < 50 employees: 9%
- 50 – 100 employees: 14%
- 100 – 500 employees: 24%
- 500 – 1,000 employees: 15%
- 1,000 – 10,000 employees: 30%
- 10,000 employees: 7%.
- Company Type:
- Education: 18%
- Public: 15%
- Private: 64%
- Government: 4%.
Book Reviewer Tenure
- Less than 1 year: 14%
- 1-2 years: 21%
- 3-4 years: 11%
- 5-7 years: 25%
- 8-10 years: 11%
- 11+ years: 18%.
Audiobook Narrator Survey
- High Earners: 4 respondents earn more than $100,000 annually.
- Common Earnings:
- 10% earn between $50,000 and $100,000 per year.
- Nearly two-thirds report earning under $10,000 annually.
How to Get Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Determine Your Strengths and Interests
- Build a Portfolio
- Choose the Right Platforms
- Develop a Professional Online Presence
- Hone Your Skills
- Start Networking
Tips to Maximize Your Income
- Diversify Your Income Streams
- Specialize in a Popular Genre
- Use Professional Tools
- Consistency is Key
- Track Income Expectations
Spotting Real Opportunities vs. Scams
Watch out for red flags such as no clear payment terms, poor reviews, upfront fees, or the absence of contracts for freelance projects.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
- Variable Income
- Time Commitment
- Skill Development
- Building an Audience Takes Time
Real Success Stories
Hear it directly from the horse’s mouth: real-life experiences of professionals earning steady royalties by narrating bestsellers, bloggers who partner with publishers and earn through affiliate marketing or proofreaders making $3000+ monthly through Reedsy and direct author collaborations.
Final Thoughts
Reading books and minting money out of it is not just a supplement to your income but could also be a passion-fuelled career choice for some. This path may demand consistent effort, skill development, and persistence, but the payoff of fulfilling what you love doing is unmatched. By diversifying income streams, leveraging social platforms, and staying vigilant against scams, you can mold a sustainable, full-time income out of your love for literature.