For those who’ve ever dreamed of a world the place somebody would pay you to learn books, we’ve received excellent news! There are a number of methods to receives a commission to learn books, whether or not you make a profession out of it or simply do it to select up some further money. Actually, these choices might be the proper selection for lecturers trying to change careers or those that must make a bit of cash on the facet. Right here’s how one can reside the dream.
Can you actually receives a commission to learn books?
Quick reply: Sure, you’ll be able to! Longer reply: You can also make cash, however you might not be capable of make a dwelling. For those who’re trying to receives a commission to learn books as a profession, you’ll most likely must pursue jobs in publishing, which might be laborious to return by. Count on to earn a associated diploma and work your means up from the very backside. Penguin Random Home has rather more details about how one can get into publishing right here.
It’s a lot simpler to receives a commission to learn books should you’re prepared to do some smaller jobs as an alternative. Many firms pays you to jot down e-book opinions, although solely small quantities at first. Plus, there are different gigs, like audiobook narrator or e-book translator, which you may be capable of decide up on an as-needed foundation.
One notice: Many individuals dream of changing into librarians as a result of they’ll’t think about something higher than spending their days surrounded by books. And whereas there are lots of rewards to changing into a librarian, getting paid to learn isn’t normally certainly one of them. This varies, after all, relying in your place. However on the whole, how a lot time does the common librarian spend studying on the job?
“The reply is zero,” shares one former librarian. “Except you depend studying backbone labels as you’re shelving.” So should you’re trying to earn cash only for studying, check out one of many jobs under as an alternative.
What sorts of jobs can be found for avid readers?

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Whether or not you’re searching for a profession or a facet gig, right here’s what you’ll need to find out about a few of the most typical studying jobs.
E-book Reviewer
Pay vary: $5–$50 per evaluate for rookies
This is likely one of the best methods to receives a commission to learn books. There are a number of firms that can pay you on your considerate opinions, although the per-job pay isn’t superb. For those who’re a prolific reader, although, this could be a good option to decide up some extra cash frequently. Try our checklist of firms that pay for opinions under.
For those who’re an completed reviewer, you may take into account pitching your opinions to greater shops, like newspapers, magazines, or web sites. You would obtain a whole lot of {dollars} on your opinions—in the event that they’re printed. Discover ways to pitch an article to {a magazine} right here.
Publishing Acquisitions Editor
Pay vary: $47,000–$85,000 per yr
Not all jobs in publishing truly require loads of studying, however acquisitions editors undoubtedly spend their days turning pages. Their primary job is to learn manuscripts from authors (solicited or unsolicited) and make suggestions about which ones to publish. These jobs aren’t essentially glamorous, however they’re a bookworm’s dream. And as you may think, they are often very laborious to land. Discover out extra about changing into an acquisitions editor right here.
Publishing Copy Editor/Proofreader
Pay vary: $41,000–$96,000 per yr
For those who’ve received an eye fixed for element, these may very well be the roles for you. Copy editors work with a e-book whereas it’s nonetheless in progress, reviewing for consistency, errors, continuity, factuality, and authorized legal responsibility. They assist authors make modifications as wanted all through the enhancing course of.
Proofreaders evaluate a last copy of a manuscript earlier than it goes to press. A proofreader compares the edited manuscript with the proof copy, phrase for phrase. They catch any final spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors, and repair any awkward phrase or web page breaks. Uncover the variations between copy editors and proofreaders right here.
Audiobook Narrator
Pay vary: $10–$500 per completed hour
Audiobooks are extremely popular, and people with robust voice-acting expertise could make good cash by recording them. Some narrators even do their very own recording, enhancing, and extra. For fiction books, the method usually includes a number of narrators, with an everyday audition course of. It’s possible you’ll work from home if in case you have the precise gear, or you might want to return right into a recording studio.
Be aware that audiobook narrators are normally paid per “completed hour,” which refers back to the size of the audio information you document. For an 18-hour audiobook, you might spend double that or extra in preparation, rehearsal, and recording, so determine your wage accordingly. Wish to get began working in audiobook narration? Look into ACX, Audible’s audiobook creation market.
Literary Translator
Pay vary: $22,000–$100,000 per yr
Many books are translated into a number of languages and offered across the globe. For those who’ve received robust world language expertise, you would earn cash by translating these books for publishers or authors.
This job includes extra than simply word-for-word translation, since many phrases and phrases don’t have direct cognates. Translators have to make use of their data of language to make sure the translated e-book retains the identical tone as the unique, making it an actual artwork kind. See tips about changing into a literary translator right here.
Corporations That Pay You to Learn and Evaluation Books

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You received’t make a bundle writing e-book opinions for any of those firms, however it may be a gradual option to earn some much-needed further money. Some require expertise and an utility course of, whereas others are simpler to get in on. Listed here are the main points.
BookBrowse
Pay price: Not specified
BookBrowse asks that candidates have some expertise in writing the sorts of opinions they’re searching for. Their web site says reviewers write about one evaluate a month for “a byline and modest cost.” See if BookBrowse is an effective match for you right here.
Booklist
Pay price: $15 per evaluate (~150 phrases)
Libraries rely upon publications like Booklist to assist them select new additions to their cabinets. The pay is low, however the opinions are additionally fairly quick and also you’ll obtain a byline credit score. Be taught extra about writing for Booklist right here.
Kirkus Critiques
Pay price: $50 per evaluate (~350 phrases)
Kirkus hires reviewers for Kirkus Indie, the e-book evaluate journal’s part devoted to self-published authors. For those who’re , discover out extra right here.
On-line E-book Membership
Pay price: $5–$60 per evaluate
For the primary evaluate, OnlineBookClub.org offers you the e-book without cost. After that, you’re eligible for paid alternatives (which additionally embody free books). Find out how the method works and apply to be a reviewer right here.
Publishers Weekly
Pay price: $25 per evaluate (~200 phrases)
This publishing powerhouse seems for reviewers who can deal with books throughout a wide selection of topics, from cookbooks to psychology, romance to sci-fi. Submit an utility through their web site to be thought-about for evaluate gigs.
The US Evaluation of Books
Pay price: Not specified (~250–300 phrases)
The US Evaluation of Books values skilled criticism, so that they’re searching for a extra formal tone than some. They ask for a resume, pattern of labor, and two skilled references, so the method is a little more intensive too. Learn how to jot down opinions for this firm right here.