When I was a kid, I had a wildly specific dream: I wanted to become a professional book reader. Not an author. Not a librarian. A full-time, get-paid-to-read-books kind of job. I imagined myself curled up with a novel, jotting down what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently, then sharing those thoughts with the world. It sounded like the dream life.

Spoiler alert: There’s no college degree for book-reading, and nobody’s offering a 9-to-5 job titled “Professional Reader” (yet!). But here’s the twist—you can make money reading books. Whether online or offline, part-time or full-time, there are more ways than ever to turn your love of reading into a real income stream.

I’ve put together 18 creative, practical ways to earn money reading books. Some are fairly mainstream, while others might surprise you. I’ve divided them into four categories: social media, paid jobs or freelance gigs, review submissions, and miscellaneous fun ways.

SOCIAL MEDIA

1. Share your book reviews on BookTok, BookTube, or Bookstagram TikTok has birthed an entire subculture called BookTok, and it’s making serious waves. You can earn from TikTok’s creator fund or snag brand sponsorships if your content takes off. It works similarly on YouTube and Instagram, so cross-post your content to all three to maximize your visibility.

2. Start a book review blog Blogs offer a low-pressure way to publish your thoughts about books you’re already reading. Add ads to your blog, join affiliate programs, or pitch sponsored content down the line. It’s slow to start, but over time, your reading hobby can build into a profitable platform.

3. Post reviews on Medium Medium rewards writers through its Partner Program, paying you based on member reading time. You don’t need to worry about web hosting or SEO—just publish thoughtful book reviews and get paid when members read your posts.

4. Launch a podcast about books Don’t love being on camera? Podcasting is a great alternative. You can talk about recent reads, invite guests, or analyze themes. Monetization can come from ads, listener support via Patreon, or sponsorships.

5. Use affiliate links to monetize recommendations Platforms like Bookshop.org or Amazon Associates let you earn commission for book sales. Just share a review or recommendation with your unique link, and earn every time someone buys the book.

PAID JOBS & FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES 

6. Narrate audiobooks Have a good voice? Consider audiobook narration. Sites like ACX and Findaway Voices let you audition for projects and get paid either hourly or via royalty share.

7. Work as a book editor If you have a keen eye for detail and love refining stories, editing could be your sweet spot. Whether you’re correcting grammar or helping restructure a manuscript, it all starts with reading.

8. Become a literary agent Agents read tons of manuscripts to find hidden gems. This job involves reading, pitching to publishers, and guiding authors through contracts and the publishing process.

9. Translate books If you’re fluent in more than one language, translating books is a rewarding (and lucrative) niche. You can also proofread translations, helping make stories accessible to a broader audience.

10. Proofread manuscripts Proofreading is often the final step before publication. You’re on the lookout for typos, formatting issues, and grammatical slip-ups—ideal for anyone with a sharp eye and love for precision.

11. Design book covers While not reading-focused in the traditional sense, designing a book cover involves deeply understanding a book’s themes. If you’re artistic, this is a fun and creative way to engage with books and get paid.

SUBMIT REVIEWS FOR PAYMENT

12. Booklist If you can write concise reviews (around 150 words), Booklist pays $15 per accepted piece. Perfect for avid readers familiar with library-style recommendations.

13. The US Review of Books This publication requires slightly longer reviews (250-300 words). You’ll need to submit a resume and writing samples, but once accepted, you can start earning for your insights.

14. Reedsy Discovery On Reedsy, readers tip you for writing insightful, helpful reviews. It may not be a huge moneymaker initially, but it rewards consistency and thoughtfulness.

15. Bookbrowse Bookbrowse pays modestly for detailed, 300+ word reviews. If you’re articulate and enjoy long-form review writing, this is a great platform to try.

16. Online Book Club You start by reviewing one free book. After that, you can get paid anywhere from $5 to $60 per review, depending on the title and your review quality.

OTHER FUN WAYS TO GET PAID TO READ

17. Start a paid book club Got a solid social circle? Start a book club, charge a small monthly fee for organization and moderation, and get paid to do what you love.

18. Try reading apps like Booksta Booksta claims to reward users with coins (worth up to $5 each) for reading books and completing quizzes. While not fully proven, it’s a fun experiment for curious readers.

Final Thoughts

We may not live in a perfect world where “book reader” is a salaried position, but that doesn’t mean your passion for reading can’t pay off. From social media content creation to professional editing gigs to good old-fashioned book reviews, there are more paths than ever to turn your love of literature into real income.

Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, a new freelance opportunity, or a full-on career, these 18 ideas are a great starting point to help you get paid doing what you already love: reading books.