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Did you know you could be paid to read books? The average American reads 12 books per year and could be earning money from it. Book-related jobs can also serve as a springboard for leveraging high-income skills and earning more money.
If you enjoy reading and discussing books, you could find a book-related job that allows you to work from home.
There are numerous ways to make money as a bookworm, including:
- Jobs involving book reading, editing, narrating, being paid to read aloud, etc.
- Getting paid by websites to write book reviews
All of these gigs can be done on the side of a full-time job if you’re looking for the perfect side hustle or just need some extra cash.
Let’s get started and learn about 5 online jobs you can do as a side hustle with books.
1. WordsRated
WordsRated is a non-profit research data and analytics organization. They are currently looking for people to read and analyze books for them, and they are paying $200 per book read.
The job is to read the book and take notes on specific details as you come across them.
Specific details that you may be asked to record include:
- Character count by gender
- The number of sentences assigned to male and female characters
- The places where the story takes place
- And much more
They are looking for:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Has a strong desire to read
- Someone who wants to work 100% remote
The average pay is $200 per book read.
2. Women’s Review of Books
The Women’s Review of Books publishes book reviews of books written by and about women. To be considered for reviewing assignments, you must first apply by sending in your resume, cover letter, and any samples of previously published reviews.
If you don’t have any previously published reviews to include, I recommend including write-ups of any book reviews you’ve recently read. You can also include any online writing samples you have.
They are looking for reviewers who can do the following:
- Create lively and thought-provoking writing
- Your writing should be appealing to a wide range of readers
- capable of meeting a deadline
Average Pay: $0.14 per word
3. Writerful Books
Writerful Books is always looking for new book reviewers.
They are an author services firm that offers services such as beta reading and book reviewing. The best part about this job is that you can review any book for them.
You must be able to provide previous book review samples in order to apply. If you don’t have these, I recommend drafting any recent books you’ve read for practice and submission.
Average pay: $10 to $50 per review
4. getAbstract
getAbstract summarizes nonfiction books into 10-minute bites, so if you enjoy nonfiction books, this is a great place to start.
They are currently looking for science and technology writers to summarize magazine articles and books.
To write reviews for them, you must:
- To apply, go to their careers page
- If you are chosen, you will be paid on a freelance basis
Average Price: Freelance basis
5. Booklist Online
Booklist is the “prepublication review journal for public and school librarians published by the American Library Association.” Every year, they publish approximately 8,000 book reviews to assist librarians with selection, collection, development, categorization, and reader’s advisory.
They have a “recommend only” policy, which means that everything they review is to be recommended for library purchase.
A Booklist review should follow the following guidelines:
- No more than 175 words
- Determine your target audience
- Without giving too much away, suggest a plot
Because most feature articles are assigned by editors, freelance opportunities are limited.
Average Pay: Up to $15 per review
Final Thought
If you are a book worm, you should consider starting a blog where you can publish all of your favorite book reviews in one place. You can make money through affiliate links, advertising, sponsorships, and other means.