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Blog – Posted on Tuesday, Sep 24

Get paid to read: 18 legitimate sites that pay reviewers.

Serious question: do you want to get paid to read? You might laugh it off at first, thinking that that sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. You can get paid for spending time on what you love: reading books. 

Of course, the key to this #hack is book reviewing, where you offer your personal opinion of a book after you’re done with it. (If you’d like to learn more, check out this post to discover how to write a book review .) Because books are constantly being published, book reviewers are generally always in demand. 

So whether you’re a voracious reader of nonfiction, genre fiction, classics, or indie books, there’s probably an outlet that’s willing to compensate you if you read (review) for them! Without further ado, here’s a definitive list of the 17 sites that will help you get paid to read. If you want to cut to the chase and find out which of them is the right fit for you, we recommend first taking this quick quiz:

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

Then read on for the full list of all of the ways to get paid while reading!

 1. Kirkus Media

💸 Pay: Freelance basis

👀 More information: Check here

If you’ve ever lingered on a book’s Amazon page before, you’ll have heard of Kirkus Reviews. It’s one of the most respected sources of book reviews out there, publishing many of the blurbs that you’ll see on Amazon, or on the cover of your favorite titles.

You have to wonder: where do all of these reviews come from? That’s where you come into the picture. Kirkus Media lists an open application for book reviewers. As of right now, they’re specifically searching for people who will review English and Spanish-language indie titles. Some of the qualities that they want in reviewers include: experience, a keen eye, and an ability to write about a 350-word review in two weeks’ time.

To apply, simply send your resume and writing samples! You can find out more about this opportunity here .

2. Reedsy Discovery

💸 Pay: Tip basis

A powerhouse in the world of indie books, Reedsy Discovery gives book reviewers the chance to read the latest self-published books before anyone else. You can browse through hundreds of new stories before picking one that piques your interest. And if you’ve built up a brand as a book reviewer on Reedsy Discovery, you can liaise with authors who contact you directly for a review.

Its application process is pretty simple: just complete this form to be selected as a book reviewer. Once you’re accepted, you can start looking through the shelves and reading immediately. One more thing: book reviewers can get tips for their book reviews. Readers can send $1, $3, or $5 as a token of appreciation (which, let’s be honest, all book reviewers deserve more of).

If this system intrigues you, you can “discover” more about how it works on this page .

3. Any Subject Books

Any Subject Books is a full-suite self-publishing service. More importantly for you, it hires book reviewers on a book-by-book basis to help them review new books.

They’re big on in-depth, honest, and objective reviews. No fluff here! They’re also happy to give you books in your preferred genres, so if you’re a voracious reader of war fiction, you won’t typically be asked to read the latest paranormal romance hit (or vice versa).

Sadly, Any Subject Books is not currently open to book reviewer applications, but check back again — this could change at any time.

4. BookBrowse

BookBrowse reviews both adult fiction and nonfiction, and some books for young adults. The site focuses on books that are not only enjoyable to read, with great characters and storylines, but that also leave the reader knowing something about the world they did not before. Reviewers also write a "beyond the book" article for each book they review.

5. Online Book Club

💸 Pay: $5 to $60

Online Book Club’s FAQ begins with a warning for all aspiring book reviewers: “First of all, this is not some crazy online get-rich-quick scheme. You won't get rich and you won't be able to leave your day job.”

That daunting reminder aside, Online Book Club’s setup is pretty reasonable, not to mention straightforward. You’ll get a free copy of the book and you’ll get paid for your review of that book. Moreover, it’s one of the few sites that’s transparent about their payment rates (anywhere between $5 to $60). To begin the sign-up process, simply submit your email here .

6. U.S. Review of Books

U.S. Review of Books is a nation-wide organization that reviews books of all kinds and publishes those reviews in a popular monthly newsletter. The way that it works for a book reviewer is simple: when a book title is posted, reviewers can request to read it and get assigned.

A typical review for U.S. Review of Books is anywhere between 250 and 300 words. They are looking particularly for informed opinions and professionalism in reviews, along with succinctness. To apply, submit a resume, sample work, and two professional references via email. But we’d recommend that you check out some previous examples of their book reviews here to first get a better sense of what they’re looking for.

7. Women’s Review of Books

💸 Pay: $100 per review

Women’s Review of Books is a long-running, highly-respected print publication that’s a part of Wellesley Centers for Women. This feminist magazine has been published for 36 years and is looking for more book reviewers to join their force.

If you plan on writing reviews for Women’s Review of Books , you should be aware that its reviews are published “in the service of action and consciousness.” Most of its writers are also academics, journalists, or book reviewers with some years of experience behind them. If you meet these qualifications and are accepted, you’ll be compensated $100 per review.

To pitch then a review, send them an email with a quick proposal. For more details, click here .

8. eBookFairs

eBookFairs primarily helps authors grow their author platforms, but it also has a Paid Book Reader program where readers can earn money by, you guessed it, reviewing the books listed on their site.

Note that they do have clear instructions on what qualifies as a review, so do read their guidelines carefully before applying to make sure you can meet them. For instance, the review must be at least 250 words, you must allow at least 3 days between reviews submitted, and it must provide helpful feedback for the author. There are also a limited number of paid reader positions available.

💸 Pay: Variable

If you’re a freelancer, you’re probably already familiar with Upwork! One of the biggest marketplaces for freelancers, Upwork has fingers in every industry’s pie. So it won’t be a surprise to learn that people who are looking for freelance book reviewers regularly post listings on its marketplace.

Because each job caters to an individual client, the requirements and qualifications will differ. It might be a one-time project, or the gig might turn into a long-running collaboration with the client. Generally, the listing will specify the book’s genre, so you’ll know what you’re getting before you agree to collaborate with the client on the other end.

To begin, you’ll need to sign up as a freelancer on Upwork. Find out more information on Upwork’s FAQ page!

10. Moody Press

💸 Pay: Free ARCs

Moody Press is a nonprofit publishing house of Christian titles and Bible study resources. If this is your niche, you’ll definitely be interested in Moody Press’ Blogger Review Program! As part of the program, you’ll get free copies of book published by Moody Press.

Like some of the other programs on this list, you won’t get paid for your review, but you will get a free book. Moody Press also asks you to write your honest review within 60 days of reading it. To get a feel for it, try joining the MP Newsroom Bloggers Facebook group , where you can directly interact with existing members of the program.

11. New Pages

💸 Pay: Variable 

Not interested in writing anything longer than 300 words? Are quick flash book reviews more your pace? If so, becoming a NewPages reviewer might be just your speed. NewPages.com is an Internet portal to small presses, independent publishers and bookstores, and literary magazines. More importantly, they’re looking for short book reviews (generally between 100 and 200 words) on any recent literary magazine or book that you’ve read.

If you’re already a fan of books from small presses or unknown magazines, even better: that’s exactly the kind of reviewer NewPages wants to work with. If you’d like to look through some of their past book reviews to see if your style matches, check out their book review archive here .

12. Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly is an online magazine focused on international book publishing and all that that entails. More pertinently, it regularly reviews both traditionally published and self-published books, which means that it does occasionally have a call for book reviewers. As of right now, it’s closed to applications — but if you check its Jobs page every once in a while, you might see an opening again.

13. Tyndale Blog Network

Tyndale Blog Network runs a program called My Reader Rewards Club, which is based on an innovative rewards system. If you join as a member, you can earn points for certain actions that you take on the site (for instance, inviting a friend to the program and sharing a direct link to MyReaderRewardsClub.com on Facebook each fetches you 10 points).

Writing a review for a Tyndale or NavPress book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble gets you 10 points, with a maximum limit of 50 points in 30 days. In turn, you can use your accumulated points to receive more books off of Tyndale’s shelves. If this sounds like something that may be up your alley, check out their FAQ here.

14. Booklist Publications

💸 Pay: $12.50 to $15 per review

Booklist is the American Library Association’s highly respected review journal for librarians. Luckily for freelance writers, Booklist assigns freelance book reviews that vary from blog posts for The Booklist Reader to published book review in Booklist magazine.

As the site itself suggests, it’s important that you’re familiar with Booklist Publication’s outlets (which include Booklist magazine, the quarterly Book Links , and The Booklist Reader blog) and its writing style. Reviews are generally very short (no longer than 175 words) and professionally written. You can discover more of its guidelines here — and an archive of previous Booklist reviews here .

To apply, contact a relevant Booklist editor and be prepared to submit a few of your past writing samples.

15. Instaread

💸 Pay: $100 per summary

Not interested in writing critical takes on the books that you read? Then Instaread might be for you. Instaread has an open call for book summaries, which recap “the key insights of new and classic nonfiction.”

Each summary should be around 1000 to 1500 words, which makes it a fair bit lengthier than your average flash book review. However, Instaread will compensate you heartily for it: as of 2019, Instaread pays $100 for each summary that you write. You can peruse Instaread’s recommended Style Guide on this page , or download Instaread from your App Store to get a better feel for the app.

16. NetGalley

If you’ve dreamt about becoming an influencer in the book reviewing community, you may want to give NetGalley a look. Put simply, NetGalley is a service that connects book reviewers to publishers and authors. Librarians, bloggers, booksellers, media professionals, and educators can all sign up to NetGalley to read books before they’re published.

How it works is pretty simple. Publishers put digital review copies out on NetGalley for perusal, where NetGalley’s members can request to read, review, and recommend them. It’s a win-win for both publisher and reviewer: the publisher is able to find enthusiastic readers to provide an honest review for their books, and the reviewer gets access to a vast catalog of books.

The cherry on top is that NetGalley membership is 100% free! Simply use this form to sign up. And if you’d like more information, you can dip into their FAQ here .

17. getAbstract

Are you an avid reader of nonfiction books? getAbstract is a site that summarizes 18,000+ nonfiction books into 10-minute bites. Their Career Opportunities page often includes listings for writers. At the time of this post’s writing, getAbstract is looking for science and technology writers who can sum up the latest magazine articles and books. They pay on a freelance basis, so apply through their website to get further details.

18. Writerful Books

💸 Pay: $10 to $50

Writerful Books is an author services company that provides everything from beta reading to (you guessed it) book reviewing. As such, they’re always on the lookout for book reviewers with fresh and compelling voices.  

One of the benefits of this gig is that you can review any book that you want for them (although they prefer contemporary award-winning American, Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, and New Zealand authors). Getting a regularly paid gig with Writerful Books isn’t a guarantee, but if you regularly publish quality reviews for them, they may contact you. 

To apply, you’ll have to be able to provide previous book review samples. Here’s the job listing if you’re curious to learn more about this role.

If you're an avid reader,  sign up to Reedsy Discovery  for access to the freshest new reads — or  apply as a reviewer  to give us  your  hot takes!

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Get Paid to Read and Review Books from Home

Author: Courtney Stich

July 28, 2019 7 Comments

How would you like to get paid to read books and share your opinion of them? If you have a love for reading, then a paid book reviewer job is the perfect work-at-home opportunity for you!

Whether you’re sitting on the couch in your jammies or beachside in your bathing suit, you can cozy up with a cup of tea (or whatever you would like in your cup) and start reading because you’re getting paid!

Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve covered that one for you as well.

Below we outline seven of the best opportunities out there for scoring that book reviewing job you’ve always wanted.

What is it like to be a Book Reviewer?

A book reviewer gets paid (sometimes in the form of free books) for writing their honest opinion of a book after reading it. The length and style of a review are highly dependent upon the reviewing company for which you’ll work.

Remember, an honest review isn’t necessarily a positive review! The companies we’ve listed below pay in cash for their reviews.

Every company will have its own set of expectations when it comes to completing book reviews. You’ll find that some companies have stricter guidelines than others, but for the most part, many of the companies listed are seeking similar things in their book reviewers.

Related content: How and Where to Sell Books for Cash

What do I need to know to become a book reviewer?

For the most part, you’ll find that there isn’t a lengthy list of requirements for becoming a book reviewer. Some companies request samples of your work, while others are happy to have you join their team by simply submitting your resume and answering a few questions. Either way, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to become a successful book reviewer:

If it’s been a year since you last read a book, you might want to pass on this opportunity. You should have a love of reading or at the bare minimum, a good knack for it!

• Read the entire book before giving your review. Book review companies are going to want more than “This book was great!” or “The book was boring.” Many companies are looking for evidence within the review, which will mean that you will need to read the book from front to back.
• Always give your honest opinion. Many of these companies are not looking for a review that falls “in the middle” but rather a report that is concise in its opinion (i.e., the book is worth reading for its intended audience, or it’s not).
• Consider the audience. Ask yourself, “who is most likely to read this book?” Are they children? Teens? Parents or teachers? Then ask if the book is geared toward the intended audience. Is this book appropriately written for its intended audience?

With this background info, you’re now more than ready to dive into the world of reviewing books!

Check out these fantastic companies below for some great work-at-home job opportunities as a paid book reviewer:

1. Any Subject Books

While Any Subject Books isn’t currently accepting book reviewers, jobs do become available with some frequency, so check back later.

Here’s more information regarding working for this company as a book reviewer:

Any Subject Books is fitting for those who may or may not have some book reviewing experience. Details you might want to know ahead of time with Any Subject Books are:

• Commitment is a book-by-book basis
• Pay is per specific book reviewed

2. Book List

This company is actively seeking reviewers. To join their book reviewers, you’ll need to:

• Subscribe to their free trial to familiarize yourself with their publications and writing style
• Contact the specific editor for whom you would like to write (a complete list is on the Book List site)

3. Book Browse

To become a book reviewer on Book Browse, you’ll need to have some prior experience as they request at least two samples of work with their application.

As a reviewer, you will write roughly one review per month, will receive a byline and “modest” payment. Book Browse has a quick online application form, which makes the process even easier!

4. Kirkus Book Reviewers

Kirkus is currently seeking experienced reviewers of English and Spanish-language titles. Here are a few more specifics:

• This reviewer position would be for Kirkus Indie magazine’s section dedicated to self-publishing authors
• Reviews are in the same format as other sections of Kirkus Reviews and are held to the same high standards
• Reviews are about 350 words, and as a book reviewer, you’ll have two weeks after the book is assigned to complete the review
• Reviews cover all types of genres, books of all lengths, and in any media (digital, hardcover, and paperback)

To apply, submit your resume, writing samples, and preferred reviewing specialties to Kirkus Indie Editor David Rapp at  [email protected] or visit the link above.

5. US Review of Books

US Review of Books is actively seeking book reviewers. They generally ask their reviews to be 250-300 words. Payments are made monthly and cover the prior month’s completed book reviews. To apply as a US Review of Books reviewer, you’ll need to contact the editor with:

• Your resume
• Sample work
• Two or more professional references

Finding their application and submission guidelines can be tricky! Here’s how you can find their instructions for becoming a book reviewer a little faster:

• On their main site: Click on the upper right-hand tab that reads “Connect.”
• Within the first paragraph, you’ll find “How to write for US Review of Books.” Follow the link to get all of the information you need to be considered as a book reviewer!

6. Astronomy

To apply to write book reviews for Astronomy, you’ll need to write an inquiry letter. Within the letter you should include:

• Why you think the book should be reviewed
• What (if anything) you know about the author or editor
• What your qualifications are for writing the review

This company also offers a web-based application process.

7. FlexJobs

Job boards such as FlexJobs are another great option for seeking out book review jobs or any remote work. While book review jobs on these sites fluctuate, it’s always a good idea to check in with a job board such as FlexJobs as positions do become available.

If you enjoy reading and love sharing your opinion, a job as a book reviewer is the perfect fit for you! While many of these sites pay modestly, you can always consider reviewing for more than one site and cashing in a bit more on what you love to do!

Another option is finding a book reviewer job that offers more than just a freelancing contract. Seeking out positions on job boards such as FlexJobs will ensure you can still work from home while making money doing something you love! You can also choose to start your own blog reading books and dishing up reviews, all while earning money through advertising and affiliate programs.

Do you have experience as a book reviewer? Want to learn more? Have questions or comments? Drop us a line below! We would love to hear from you!

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About the Author

Courtney Stich

Courtney Stich is a prior educator turned blogger and home-based business owner! Founder of C-Side Creatives , Courtney helps entrepreneurs with Pinterest marketing and content writing. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Technology and Design. Courtney is a mama to three beautiful kiddos and a wife to one amazingly supportive, loving hubby. She loves everything about being seaside, most things chocolate, and a vase (or five), filled with sunflowers.

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Reader Interactions

March 13, 2022 at 2:41 pm

I have no experience reviewing books but am an AVID reader. My favorite authors are Tom Clancy (now Marc Cameron). John Grisham, James Patterson, David Baldacci, Michael Connolly, Susan Grafton. Brad Thor and some light romance mystery I plan on working from home within the month and this type of job appeals to me, rather than Customer Service or Data Entry or clerical which I have done for years. Thank you for your consideration.

March 14, 2022 at 7:34 am

The Work at Home Woman is not a hiring agency; we’re a resource for job leads, ideas, and information. You’ll need to go to each company’s website to apply.

September 6, 2019 at 6:23 pm

I definitely need this. I just lost two part time jobs because of medical problems and I’m a single mom. Working from home is what I need!

September 8, 2019 at 6:19 pm

Good luck, Vanessa!

September 20, 2019 at 4:50 pm

Totally get, Vanessa! You’re absolutely in the RIGHT place!! Let us know how it goes!

August 3, 2019 at 11:28 pm

I am interested in this offer.

August 9, 2019 at 7:12 pm

Hello, Christina! Thanks for stopping by! Are you referring to learning more about book reviews or recieving awesome weekly updates on work at home positions (side note: this is one of my FAVORITE weekly emails…it’s got soo many great positions and info!) Let me know and I would be happy to help you out!

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Bookworm’s Dream Job: How To Get Paid To Read And Review Books

• Can I Get Paid To Read Books?

Table of contents

A. book reviewing, b. voice-over for audiobooks, 1. onlinebookclub.org, 2. kirkus media, 3. booklist online, 4. the us review of books, 5. bookbrowse, 6. audible/ acx, 7. findaway voices, 9. voice123, 10. bodalgo.

• Get That Dream Job!
• How To Make Money By Reading Books?
• Reading widely can help you gain an understanding of different literary genres.
• Build a platform for your reviews. This can include a blog, a social media account, or a website dedicated to book reviews.
• You can either reach out to publishers and authors directly to request review copies of their books or you can find review opportunities on websites like NetGalley, Goodreads, and Kirkus Reviews.
• Write reviews regularly and try to get them published on reputable websites or in literary magazines. This can help to establish you as a credible and respected reviewer and increase your chances of being offered more review opportunities in the future.
• Develop your skills: Audiobook narration is a craft that requires a certain set of skills. Practicing your voice acting, narration, and acting techniques will help to improve your craft. You can take online classes, workshops, or even practice with a local theater group.
• Build your portfolio: Create a demo reel of your work that showcases your narration skills. You can record yourself reading different types of books, genres, and styles. This will give potential clients an idea of your range and the type of projects you are best suited for.
• Network: Connect with other audiobook narrators, voice actors, and industry professionals. Join online communities, attend conventions and workshops, and make connections through social media.
• Audition: Look for opportunities to audition for audiobook narration projects. Keep an eye out for announcements on social media and job boards , and be prepared to submit a sample of your work when applying.
• Be persistent: Remember, becoming an audiobook narrator takes time and persistence. Keep honing your skills, building your portfolio, networking, and auditioning, and eventually, you’ll land your first project!
• 10 Websites That Pay You to Read

• OnlineBookClub gives you a platform to read and review books from many genres. And the best part? You can earn money from it. 
• To write for them, you’d first need to create an account and submit an application. 
• Once done, you can choose the books you want to review. 
• You’ll need to write reviews at least 200 words long. Your review should be thoughtful, honest and insightful. 
• For each review you write, you get paid $5 via PayPal.
• When you write more reviews, you earn more money and increase your visibility as a reviewer.

• To become a reviewer for Kirkus, you must apply and be accepted as a reviewer.
• To apply, you need to have a relevant background in writing or literary criticism, and submit a writing sample.
• Once accepted, you can choose from a list of books. For each review you complete, they pay you.
• Your pay depends on the length of review and type of books.
• You’re expected to meet deadlines and follow the guidelines provided by Kirkus.
• Kirkus reviews are posted on the Kirkus website and in Kirkus Reviews magazine, and can be used as a professional development tool to improve your writing skills and build a portfolio of work.

• If your interest lies in reviewing books, then BookBrowse offers you the perfect platform for it.
• Apart from that you can earn money through affiliate marketing. You can promote books on BookBrowse by leaving links on your reviews.
• If you are an author, you can earn royalties by publishing your book on BookBrowse.

• To get a job as a narrator, you’ll need experience narrating audiobooks and a clear and engaging speaking voice. 
• You can apply to narrate books through Audible’s ACX platform, which connects narrators with authors and publishers.
•  Audible also has their own casting team and they are always on the lookout for new voices to add to their library. 
• Another way is to work as a studio narrator in one of Audible’s recording studios around the world. Narrators are paid for their work either through a royalty share or a flat fee.

• To work with Findaway Voices, you will need to have some experience narrating audiobooks and a distinctive and captivating voice. 
• You can apply by creating a narrator profile on their platform, where you can submit an audition and showcase your work. 
• They also have a casting team that actively looks for new voices to add to their library. 
• Once selected, you’re paid through a loyalty share or a flat fee. 

• You can apply by reaching out to them and submitting an audition through their platform. They have a casting team that actively searches for new voices to add to their library.
• You can also work as a studio narrator, recording audiobooks in one of their partner studios. 
• You’ll be paid for your work, either through a royalty share or a flat fee, depending on the agreement with the author or publisher.

• To get started, you’ll need to create a profile, upload demos and start applying to various projects. 
• Voice123 offers a wide range of opportunities, resources and training to help you improve your skills and market yourself effectively.

• Create a strong profile, including a demo reel
• Audition for projects that match your skills and experience
• Network and be responsive to clients’ needs and inquiries
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The Work at Home Wife

Helping you work at home and make money online

Make Extra Money with Book Review Jobs

By Angie Nelson

Last Updated July 21, 2023 . Disclosure: We may receive compensation if you sign up for or purchase products linked below. Details on offers may change, and you should confirm them with the company prior to taking action.

Reading books is one of my favorite pastimes, and until recently, I didn’t realize that you could get paid to read books. My fellow book-lovers, the companies on this list will pay you to read books and then write your honest review on it. Check out these book review jobs! I have also included a few tips on how to write better reviews.

Book Review Writing Tips

When reviewing a book, you have to do more than explain what you did or didn’t like. You must consider a number of elements, including plot, characters, setting, and climax. No matter what type of story you plan to review, you must assess how well those elements work together and move the story along. As you read the book, you might want to take notes or highlight sections to help make it easier for you when you are writing your review.

When writing the review, it is okay to include constructive criticism. However, you should remember that many of these review sites will want you to add something positive in your review. The review should be unbiased and talk about the characters, plots, and themes of the story and how well you think the author conveyed them. While you can state your opinion on the book, you should always offer a few specific reasons for your opinion.

As you write your review, you should also think about the audience that the review site is targeting. Some sites are geared towards children, women, or a specific industry. Make sure your writing style fits your target audience.

Where to Find Book Review Jobs

If you can read a book within two or three weeks and can intelligently write your thoughts on the publication, then book reviewing might be right for you. Here are a few legitimate ways to extra money with book review jobs.

Note: These companies are not always looking for book reviewers. If they are not contracting new people at this time, check back later.

1. Any Subject Books

Any Subject Books is a publishing company that pays you money for each book you write a review for them. To get started, you first must apply as a book reviewer. Once accepted, the company will send you different pieces of literature to review. You can choose which ones you want to write a review for on a case-by-case basis.

Once you do commit to reading the book, you must turn in a thoughtful, analytical review. Your pay varies based on the length of the book. According to Any Subject Books, you are required to give your honest review unless you feel like you cannot say anything positive about the book. If that is the case, then the review might be halted, and the author will decide if they want to continue working with you.

Any Subject Books does not require you to make a long-term commitment; instead, you commit to reading one book at a time. The time limit that you have to read the book is agreed upon when the book contract is sent out.

Any Subject Books isn’t always hiring for book reviewers, so check out their website to see if they are filling positions at this time.

2. Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Media is looking for book reviewers who can read and review all lengths and genres of literature. Requested book reviews might be in English or Spanish. Typically, the reviews are approximately 350 words long and must meet the high standards of Kirkus Reviews. Therefore, you must give a thorough review of each book, and be able to talk in-depth about what you like and didn’t like about certain books.

To apply, you must submit a resume, writing samples, and a list of reviewing specialties. According to reviews on Glassdoor, Kirkus Reviews has plenty of projects and pays promptly.

Occasionally, Kirkus Media will also hire for copy editors and editors , so if you prove yourself as a competent book reviewer, you might have a good chance of moving over to another position within the company.

3. Online Book Club

Online Book Club is another company that is hiring freelance book reviewers. They clearly state on their website that they aren’t looking for positive reviews, just honest reviews. If you don’t like the book, it is okay to say that and explain why.

According to the Online Book Club, the reviewers are paid between $5 and $60 for book reviews, depending on the length of the book. All books you are sent to review are given free of charge.

The most important thing to note is that the first review you do with Online Book Club is unpaid. This helps them to filter out their reviewers and decide if you are the right candidate for the job. After this first initial review, all subsequent reviews are paying gigs.

4. US Review of Books

The US Review of Books often hires book reviewers. To apply, simply send in your resume as well as samples of your previous reviews and two professional references.

When your application is approved, you can begin writing reviews on the site. There are a variety of genres you can pick from to review. Once you select the type of books you want to review, then the book titles will be assigned based on how well the project fits within your skillset.

You typically have two to three weeks to complete each book review, and each honest review should be between 250 and 300 words in length. The pay for each review isn’t listed, but the site does state that reviewers are paid on the fifth of every month. The books are provided to you for free.

Reviews on Glassdoor of US Review of Books are positive, with many people commenting on the competitive pay rates, the opportunity for raises, and the constructive feedback on their work.

5. Women’s Review of Books

As you might guess by the site’s name, Women’s Review of Books is geared towards reviews of publications written by or about women. This website was founded by Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College.

To become a book review, you should have experience as a reviewer, journalist, or in academics. You must email the Women’s Review of Books with one paragraph about your credentials, a line about the genre you would like to focus on (i.e., nonfiction, poetry, mystery, etc.), and a sample of your already-published review. If your email does not contain all three elements, then you will not be considered for the position.

For each completed review, you will receive $100. This pay rate is higher than the average site, so you can assume that Women’s Review of Books demands a higher caliber review of books.

6. Astronomy

Astronomy commissions reviews from people who wish to write one of a book they recently read. Before you pitch Astronomy, you must reach out to the editor of the publication to make sure it is okay to do a review on the book. To be considered, you must complete a form or mail your inquiry letter that states why you think the book should be reviewed, what you know about the author or editor , and what your qualifications for writing this particular review are.

No specific pay rate is published on the Astronomy website.

For those who want to take their passion for books a step further, there are many other different ways you can get paid to read books . Some of these options include copy editing, narrating, editing, and more. For those who love to read, there are plenty of options to start getting paid to read books.

About Angie Nelson

Angie Nelson began working from home in 2007 when she figured out how to take her future into her own hands and escape the corporate cubicle farm. Angie’s goal is sharing her passion for home business, personal finance, telecommuting, and entrepreneurship, and her work has been featured on Recruiter, FlexJobs and Business News Daily..

Angie Nelson began working from home in 2007 when she figured out how to take her future into her own hands and escape the corporate cubicle farm. Angie’s goal is sharing her passion for home business, personal finance, telecommuting, and entrepreneurship, and her work has been featured on Recruiter, FlexJobs and Business News Daily.

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