Discover the top 10 websites to make money by reading books, offering great options for avid readers looking to earn online while enjoying their favorite pastime.

If you love reading and want to turn your passion into profit, you’re in luck! Nowadays, several websites allow you to make money by reading books, writing reviews, or even providing feedback. From platforms that pay for book reviews to sites that offer unique ways to monetize your reading habits, there are many ways to start earning. In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 Websites to Make Money by Reading Books, giving you the best options to begin your journey as a paid reader. Whether you’re a literature enthusiast or simply looking to make extra income, these platforms offer a world of opportunity.
Can You Make Money by Reading Books?
Yes, you can! The internet has opened up multiple avenues to make money by reading books, from review sites to affiliate programs and even audiobook narration. These platforms provide diverse opportunities tailored to different reader preferences. Whether you’re into contemporary novels or academic texts, there’s a platform that fits your style.
How Can You Make Money by Reading Books?
You might wonder, “How can I make money by reading books?” The methods vary based on the platform. Some websites pay a flat rate for reviews, while others let you earn tips or commissions. Platforms like BookBrowse hires freelance reviewers, while sites like Upwork allow you to set your own rates for book-related projects.
1. Kirkus Media
Kirkus Media is a prestigious platform in the world of book reviews, renowned for its insightful, professional critiques. With a history of providing high-quality reviews that publishers and authors trust, Kirkus frequently seeks experienced reviewers who can deliver in-depth analysis across various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature, and self-help. If you excel at writing critical reviews and enjoy exploring diverse types of literature, Kirkus Media offers an ideal opportunity to earn by reading and reviewing books.
Reviewers are compensated per review, with payments varying based on the book and the depth required. Kirkus values thorough, articulate reviews that delve into elements like plot, character development, and thematic relevance, ensuring readers receive valuable insights. Steady assignments are available for those who consistently meet the platform’s high standards, making it a reliable source of income for skilled reviewers.
Kirkus Media also reviews indie books, giving you the chance to discover unique works alongside mainstream titles. To join, applicants generally need to submit a sample review to demonstrate their analytical skills. For passionate readers and skilled writers, Kirkus Media represents a rewarding path to contribute to the literary community while earning money for thoughtful reviews.
2. Online Book Club
Online Book Club is a popular platform for readers who want to earn money by reading and reviewing books. Unlike some review sites, Online Book Club is accessible to both newcomers and experienced reviewers, making it an ideal choice for those just starting out in the world of paid book reviews. Reviewers receive free books in exchange for their feedback, allowing them to explore new authors and genres without any initial cost.
Payment is based on the quality and length of each review, with higher-quality submissions generally earning more. Online Book Club is particularly known for its user-friendly setup, offering clear guidelines that make it easy to get started. For many readers, this platform serves as a great way to earn extra income while expanding their literary horizons, as reviewers often discover a wide range of books, from indie titles to bestsellers.
Beyond monetary benefits, Online Book Club allows reviewers to engage with a community of fellow book enthusiasts, fostering discussions and recommendations. This community aspect can be especially rewarding for those passionate about literature. For readers eager to make money by reading, Online Book Club provides a straightforward and enjoyable path to turn their love of books into income.
3. Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy Discovery is a unique platform that connects independent authors with a community of passionate readers and reviewers. As a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery, you’ll gain access to advance copies of books before their public release, allowing you to immerse yourself in fresh, diverse stories from emerging authors. Although Reedsy doesn’t directly pay reviewers, it offers a tipping system where readers can voluntarily contribute $1 to $5 as a token of appreciation for well-crafted reviews. This tip-based model empowers you to earn based on the quality and popularity of your insights, giving you the chance to build a loyal following.
One of the unique benefits of Reedsy Discovery is the potential to develop a personal brand as a reviewer, increasing your visibility and earning opportunities over time. By consistently providing insightful, honest reviews, you can attract a dedicated readership, potentially boosting the tips you receive. This platform is an excellent choice for those passionate about supporting indie authors while making money from their love of reading. For anyone exploring ways to get paid for reading books, Reedsy Discovery stands out as a flexible and rewarding option, ideal for readers who value creativity and innovation in the literary world.
4. BookBrowse
BookBrowse is a reputable platform known for hiring freelance reviewers to deliver high-quality, in-depth analyses of various books. The site primarily looks for reviewers with experience in analyzing literature, making it an ideal choice for those who can provide detailed insights and commentary on each title. BookBrowse maintains high standards and is selective in its hiring process, ensuring that only reviewers who can meet its quality requirements are accepted.
As a reviewer for BookBrowse, you’ll typically be assigned books that match your specific reading preferences, adding a personalized element that makes the work more enjoyable and engaging. Each review you complete is compensated on a per-review basis, offering a consistent income opportunity for those who meet the site’s standards. BookBrowse’s approach is ideal for those who enjoy writing thoughtful, well-structured reviews, as each submission is carefully evaluated to align with their audience’s expectations.

If you’re interested in earning money by reading books and are confident in your review-writing skills, BookBrowse offers a fulfilling way to turn your passion into income. For experienced readers, it ranks highly on the list of Top 10 Websites to Make Money by Reading Books, allowing reviewers to earn while sharing their insights with a broad literary community.
5. NFTBOOKS
NFTBOOKS is a groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes the reading experience by allowing readers to earn money through various book-related activities. Unlike traditional sites, NFTBOOKS leverages blockchain technology to offer digital books as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), enabling readers to earn tokens through reading, reviewing, renting, and even trading books. This blockchain-based model transforms reading from a simple hobby into an income-generating opportunity, giving users a modern and engaging way to make money by reading books.
NFTBOOKS’ innovative reward system incentivizes active participation. Readers earn passive income with each activity, creating a consistent earning stream as they engage with their favorite books. This system is particularly appealing to individuals interested in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, as the NFT-based structure provides transparency, security, and a unique experience in the literary world. For anyone exploring ways to earn while enjoying literature, NFTBOOKS stands out on the list of Top 10 Websites to Make Money by Reading Books. This platform combines the joy of reading with the financial benefits of cryptocurrency, making it an attractive choice for modern readers and crypto enthusiasts alike.
6. Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly is a prestigious publication known for its in-depth coverage of the publishing industry, offering professional reviewers a valuable platform to earn money by reading books. This well-respected site focuses on industry news, book reviews, and comprehensive literary analysis, attracting experienced reviewers who can deliver high-quality, detailed critiques. Publishers Weekly requires reviewers with a strong background in literature, publishing, or journalism, as its standards for reviews are notably high.
Each review published by Publishers Weekly is more detailed and analytical than reviews on many other platforms, offering insights that appeal to industry professionals and dedicated readers alike. This approach makes it ideal for those who are well-versed in literature and can provide thoughtful, in-depth commentary on a variety of genres. Reviewers on this platform often need to critique books in a way that captures the nuances of storytelling, character development, and literary style, creating reviews that go beyond basic summaries.
If you have a keen understanding of literature and are skilled at crafting insightful analyses, Publishers Weekly provides a rewarding opportunity to turn your expertise into income. It’s one of the top destinations for professional reviewers and a standout choice among the Top 10 Websites to Make Money by Reading Books.
7. Scribd
Scribd may not fit the mold of a traditional book review site, but it offers a unique opportunity for avid readers to earn money through its affiliate program. This program allows you to become an affiliate partner by sharing your favorite books and recommending them to others. When someone signs up for Scribd or subscribes to its service through your referral link, you earn commissions, turning your passion for reading into a profitable venture.
While the focus of Scribd is on providing access to a vast library of books, audiobooks, and documents, the affiliate program enables users to monetize their reading experiences indirectly. By promoting titles you love, you can encourage others to explore new literature while also benefiting financially. This creates a win-win scenario for both readers and authors, as your recommendations can help boost visibility for great books.
For those interested in affiliate marketing, Scribd stands out as one of the Top 10 Websites to Make Money by Reading Books. It offers an accessible way to combine your enthusiasm for literature with the potential for income. If you have a knack for sharing recommendations, joining Scribd’s affiliate program might be a rewarding and enjoyable way to earn money while doing what you love.
8. Upwork
Upwork is a dynamic freelance marketplace that provides book reviewers and literary critics with the opportunity to earn money by leveraging their expertise. As a freelancer on Upwork, you have the flexibility to set your own rates and select projects that align with your interests and experience. Clients on the platform can range from independent authors seeking feedback on their latest works to publishers and companies that need genuine reviews for marketing and promotional purposes. This variety allows you to find gigs that match your specific skills and reading preferences.
The appeal of Upwork lies not only in its flexibility but also in the potential to build a diverse portfolio. Each project completed can showcase your reviewing abilities, helping you attract more clients in the future. Furthermore, with competitive rates available, experienced reviewers can earn a substantial income while enjoying the reading process. The ability to work remotely also adds to the convenience, enabling you to choose when and where to work.
For those looking to make money by reading books, Upwork stands out as one of the Top 10 Websites to Make Money by Reading Books. Its extensive network and user-friendly platform provide an excellent way for passionate readers to monetize their skills while contributing to the literary community.
9. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)
ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) presents an exciting opportunity for those who have a passion for audiobooks and enjoy the art of narration. If you prefer immersing yourself in stories through spoken word, ACX allows you to earn money by narrating audiobooks for authors and publishers. Unlike traditional reading, narrating audiobooks enables you to bring characters and plots to life with your voice, engaging listeners in a unique and dynamic way. This makes it a perfect option for those who want to combine their love for literature with a vocal talent.
Narrators on ACX have flexible earning options, as you can choose to be compensated per finished hour of audio or through a royalty share agreement, where you receive a portion of the audiobook sales. This can be particularly profitable for narrators with clear diction and an engaging delivery style, as audiobooks continue to grow in popularity among readers who enjoy the convenience of listening on the go.
For those looking to monetize their voice and love for literature, ACX stands out as one of the Top 10 Websites to Make Money by Reading Books. By turning your narration skills into a profitable venture, you can contribute to the thriving audiobook industry while doing something you love. Whether you are a seasoned voice actor or a passionate reader, ACX offers a rewarding platform to share stories with the world.
10. NetGalley
While NetGalley itself doesn’t directly pay for reviews, it serves as an invaluable resource for readers looking to gain free access to a plethora of books for reviewing purposes. This platform connects reviewers with publishers and authors seeking feedback on their titles before they hit the market. By signing up, users can request advance reader copies (ARCs) of upcoming releases across various genres, from fiction to non-fiction and everything in between.
Building a robust portfolio of reviews on NetGalley is a strategic move for aspiring reviewers. As you compile a solid record of insightful and engaging critiques, you position yourself as a credible reviewer in the eyes of publishers. This reputation can lead to lucrative opportunities on paid review sites, where proven experience is highly valued. NetGalley is widely respected in the publishing industry, making it a great place to start if you’re new to book reviewing.
By engaging with this platform, readers can not only hone their reviewing skills but also establish connections with publishers. Therefore, while NetGalley may not offer direct compensation, it is a critical stepping stone for those looking to transition into paid opportunities in the world of book reviews. It provides a unique chance to immerse yourself in literature while building a career in reviewing.
Getting Started.
To start earning, identify the platforms that suit your interests and expertise. Some, like Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, may require a solid background in literature or reviewing, while others, like Online Book Club and Reedsy Discovery, are beginner-friendly. If you’re tech-savvy, NFTBOOKS offers a blockchain-based approach to earn, ideal for those interested in crypto and digital assets.
Final Thoughts
The options to make money by reading books are varied and can suit a range of reading preferences and experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned reviewer, there’s a platform that can help turn your passion for books into profit. From traditional review sites to innovative blockchain solutions, the possibilities are expanding for readers everywhere.
If you’re ready to start earning while enjoying great reads, explore these platforms and see which one aligns best with your goals. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow book lovers who might be interested in monetizing their reading habits!
Which of these platforms sounds the most exciting to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you’ve tried any of these sites to make money by reading books. If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing it with friends who might want to turn their love of reading into a side income!