Want to get paid to read books online? You’re in the right place.
If you’re a bookworm who already has strong opinions on your latest read, you’ll love the idea of actually getting paid to write reviews of them!
In 2026, publishers and authors are more desperate than ever for human-written reviews to combat the flood of AI-generated fluff.
In this post, I’m sharing the 13 best sites that actually pay you to read and review books in 2026.
I’ve tested many of these myself and researched the rest thoroughly to make sure they’re legit.
We’ll start with the highest-paying platforms, then move to beginner-friendly options that don’t require any experience.
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Table of Contents
How Much Can You Really Earn Reading Books?
You’re probably wondering if this is actually worth your time.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 75% of U.S. adults read at least one book in the past year, and nearly one‑third read books weekly.
This steady demand for books is one reason paid reviewing opportunities continue to grow.
Here’s the honest breakdown:
- Beginners typically earn $5-$25 per review
- Experienced reviewers at well-known outlets can earn $50-$100+ per review
- Most book reviewers earn $200-$500/month as a side income
Reading the book takes 5-10 hours.
Writing the review takes 1-2 hours. So you’re looking at 6-12 hours total per review.
If you review 4 books per month at $25 each, that’s an extra $100/month just for doing something you’d probably do anyway.
Not bad, right?
The Best Sites That Pay You to Read Books (Comparison Table)
Platform | Pay Per Review | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
Instaread | $100 | Book summaries | Hard |
Kirkus Reviews | $50-$75 | Experienced reviewers | Hard |
BookBrowse | $60 | Quality over quantity | Medium |
Booklist Magazine | $15 | Librarians & educators | Medium |
Online Book Club | $5-$60 | Beginners | Easy |
US Review of Books | Varies | Getting started | Easy |
AudioFile Magazine | $10 | Audiobook fans | Easy |
ACX (Audiobooks) | $50-$200/hr | Narrators | Medium |
Reedsy Discovery | $1-$5 tips | Indie books | Easy |
Highest-Paying Sites to Get Paid to Review Books
Let’s start with the platforms that pay the most.
These typically require some experience or really good writing skills, but the payoff is worth it.
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1. Instaread
- Payment: $100 per summary
This is actually the highest-paying opportunity on this list, but it’s a bit different than traditional book reviews.
Instaread wants book summaries instead of reviews. You write about the key points and main takeaways from nonfiction books.
Requirements: Each summary should be around 1,000 to 1,500 words. That’s longer than most reviews, but the pay makes up for it.
You’ll need to show previous writing samples when you apply. They’re looking for people who can break down complex ideas into clear, simple language.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
2. Kirkus Reviews
- Payment: $50-$75 per review (up to $100 for experienced reviewers)
This is probably the most well-known name in book reviews. If you’d like to get paid for reviewing books and get your writing featured in a prestigious magazine, then Kirkus is where you want to be.
Kirkus Media needs experienced review writers to create reviews of both English and Spanish language titles.
These reviews are published in Kirkus Indie, which is the section of the book review magazine that focuses on self-published authors.
Requirements: Reviews must be around 350 words and must be submitted within two weeks of assignment.
How to apply: You need to submit a resume, along with writing samples and some information about what types of books you like to review to the Kirkus Indie Editor.
This isn’t the easiest gig to land, but if you can get in, it’s one of the best-paying opportunities out there.
2026 Update: They have recently expanded their “Spanish Language” section, which pays a premium for bilingual reviewers.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
3. BookBrowse
- Payment: $60 per review
This is a great site for book lovers of all genres. They publish reviews of different books so readers can decide whether or not to buy certain books.
For a reviewer, that means you get to read a lot of good books!
That doesn’t mean you can submit hundreds of reviews every week. They want quality reviews.
You cannot copy other people’s work. It has to be original and your own review.
Don’t even think about having ChatGPT write book reviews for you because they can and will detect AI-written reviews and will ban you forever.
You’ll also write a “Beyond the Book” article for each book you review. This is a short piece about some interesting aspect of the book like its setting, historical context, or a theme.
Requirements: Reviews are 600-1,000 words, much longer than most other sites.
From what I’ve seen, their reviewers write about one review a month.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
Best Sites for Beginners to Get Paid Reading Books
If you’re just starting out and don’t have a bunch of published reviews yet, these sites are perfect for you.
4. Online Book Club
- Payment: $5 to $60, depending on the experience of the reviewer and the book under review.
If you love to read books and enjoy finding new authors, becoming a reviewer for the Online Book Club will be right up your alley.
This website gives readers free books and payments in exchange for book reviews.
The website is designed to help authors promote their books through honest reviews.
As a new member of the Online Book Club, you probably won’t get paid for your first few reviews. Instead, you’ll get books for free. After the site checks some of your work, you’ll get paid review opportunities.
This is honestly one of the best places to start if you’re a beginner. It’s easy to get in, and once you prove yourself, the pay can be pretty decent.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
5. US Review of Books
- Payment: Varies by book
The US Review of Books pays writers for book reviews in a bunch of different genres.
They want short reviews of between 250 to 300 words. The review must give a summary of the book, plus any thoughts or opinions you had about it.
Reviews can also include quotes from the book and thoughts about the author. But, they want you to limit clichés and avoid a super casual tone. Criticism is okay – as long as it is helpful and factual.
Timeline: Reviews must be done within two to three weeks.
The website posts book titles every so often. Then, people who want to review can pick the titles they’re interested in.
The website then picks writers to create reviews based on how well they fit the project and the titles they chose.
Reviewers are paid monthly, on the 5th, for each review that they did during the month before.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
6. Booklist Magazine
- Payment: $15 for each review you submit that gets accepted.
This one is really interesting. Booklist is a print and online magazine created for librarians. They publish book reviews in both their print and online magazines.
Now, you don’t have to actually be a librarian to be able to submit reviews. However, “Because our audience is school and public library workers, Booklist reviewers must be familiar with both books and libraries as well as the U.S. and Canada book market in general.“
The average review is between 150 to 200 words long. And you can submit 2-3 book reviews each week.
The cool thing is that your name as the reviewer will show up in both the online and print versions of the magazine.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
7. AudioFile Magazine
- Payment: $10 for each review you write.
With more and more people listening to audiobooks, sites are looking for audiobook reviewers now more than ever.
AudioFile is one of the few really good magazines that publishes audiobook reviews all the time.
The average review is about 100 words long, so $10 isn’t bad for it, especially if you listen to audiobooks a lot anyway.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
8. Reedsy Discovery
- Payment: Tips-based system. Readers can send you $1, $3, or $5 as a thank you for your review.
This is a newer platform that focuses on indie books and self-published authors.
Reedsy Discovery gives book reviewers the chance to read the latest self-published books before anyone else. You can look through hundreds of new books and pick one that looks interesting.
The cool thing is you get early access to books that haven’t been released yet. The downside is that payment isn’t guaranteed – you only earn if people tip you.
This is best if you genuinely enjoy reading indie books and discovering new authors. Don’t expect to make a ton of money here, but you’ll get lots of free books.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
Get Paid to Narrate Audiobooks
If you’ve got a great voice and love books, reading audiobooks out loud can be way more money than writing reviews.
9. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)
- Payment: $50-$200+ per finished hour of audio (which might take 4-6 hours to record)
The Audio Publishers Association (APA) reported that U.S. audiobook sales revenue increased by 13% in 2024 over the previous year, reaching $2.22 billion, making narration one of the fastest‑growing book‑related side gigs.
Have you ever been told you’ve got a voice for radio?
If you have, then you could be a really good audiobook narrator.
ACX is Amazon’s audiobook platform where authors connect with narrators. You can try out for projects and get paid to read books out loud.
OR You can choose royalty share, where you get a percentage of sales.
This is honestly one of the best ways to make money reading books if you have the right voice and some basic recording equipment.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
10. Voices.com
- Payment: Varies a lot, but people with experience can earn $100-$300+ per finished hour.
Another great platform for audiobook narration is Voices.com. This is a marketplace where you can find all kinds of voice-over work, including audiobook narration.
You’ll need to make a profile, upload demos, and try out for projects. But once you build a reputation, the work can be steady and pay well.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
Newer Platforms to Get Paid to Read
These are some newer sites that have popped up recently. They might not have the reputation of Kirkus yet, but they’re real and actually hiring reviewers.
11. eBookFairs Paid Reader Program
- Payment: Usually $10-$20 per review
This is one of the newer platforms made specifically to match readers with authors who need honest reviews.
eBookFairs connects indie authors with readers who want to get paid to read their books before they’re published. You’ll get early access to books and earn money for giving honest feedback.
What makes it great: They focus on indie authors and self-published books, so you’ll find a lot of hidden gems that haven’t hit the mainstream yet. Plus, your feedback actually helps make the final version of the book better.
The application process is pretty simple – you just need to show you’re a real reader who can give thoughtful, helpful reviews.
This is great for “Bookstagrammers” who are already posting their reads online.
- Where to apply: Apply here!
Other Ways to Make Money With Books
While reviewing is great, here are a couple of other ways to earn money with your love of reading.
12. Join Affiliate Programs
What if you could write a review, post it and then get a small income for months or even years?
Well, with affiliate programs you can!
Affiliate programs give you a percentage of the products you sell through your special links.
For example, you can join Amazon’s Associate program. Then pick a book (or more) you’d like to make money from. Write a great review of it, post it on your blog, and put an affiliate link in the article.
You’ll get paid a commission each time someone buys that book through your link.
It’s not huge money per sale (usually 1-3% for books), but it adds up over time if you review a lot of books.
13. Become a Book Editor
Are you a stickler for good grammar? Do you have an eye for typos?
If so, you could be a really good book editor. These days, it’s easier than ever to find work as a book editor.
Publishing companies are always looking for editors. But, an easy way to get your foot in the door is to become a freelance book editor.
Online, you can find a lot of legitimate work from home jobs for book editors. Craigslist, Problogger, WAHM, UpWork, and other freelance websites are all great places to get started.
Editing pays better than reviewing, too. Freelance editors can earn $25-$50+ per hour once they’re good at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need experience to get paid to review books?
No. Sites like Online Book Club and US Review of Books accept beginners. You’ll start with free book reviews to prove your skills, then move to paid opportunities.
However, the higher-paying gigs (like Kirkus Reviews and BookBrowse) do require you to show them examples of your writing.
How long does it take to write a paid book review?
Reading the book takes 5-10 hours depending on how long and complex it is. Writing the review takes 1-2 hours. Total: 6-12 hours per review.
So if you’re earning $25 for a review that takes you 10 hours total, you’re making about $2.50/hour. Not great. But if you’re earning $60 and you’re a fast reader, you could be making $6-$10/hour, which isn’t bad for something you enjoy.
What’s the best site for beginners?
Online Book Club is best for beginners. They offer $5-$60 per review and don’t require you to have done this before. You’ll start with free books and work your way up to paid reviews.
Can you make a living reviewing books?
Honestly? Probably not. Most reviewers make $200-$500/month as extra income.
To make a living, you’d need to combine reviewing with other book-related ways to make money like editing, reading audiobooks, or freelance writing.
But as a side hustle?
Absolutely. It’s a great way to earn extra cash doing something you love.
Will I get to choose which books I review?
It depends on the platform. Sites like Online Book Club and Reedsy Discovery let you choose from books that are available. Other sites like US Review of Books will give you books based on what genres you said you like.
The higher-paying gigs usually don’t give you much choice – they give you titles based on what they need reviewed.
Tips for Getting Accepted as a Paid Book Reviewer
Okay, so you want to make your chances of getting accepted as high as possible?
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Start with sample reviews
Before you apply anywhere, write 2-3 sample reviews of books you’ve recently read. Post them on your blog, Medium, or even just in a Google Doc. This gives you something to show when sites ask for writing samples.
2. Be honest but helpful
Sites want honest reviews, not just nice things. But there’s a difference between honest criticism and being mean. Focus on helpful feedback.
3. Check everything for mistakes
This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised. If you’re applying to write reviews, your application better be error-free. One typo can get you rejected.
4. Know your genre
Most sites will ask what genres you like. Don’t just say “everything.” Pick 2-3 specific genres you genuinely enjoy and know well. It’s better to be really good at a few things than okay at everything.
5. Meet deadlines
Once you’re accepted, always hit your deadlines. This is the #1 way to get more work. Publishers remember reviewers they can count on.
Making Money as a Book Reader in 2026
As you can see, there are some really great ways to make money as a book reviewer.
You may not be able to make a living reviewing books, but it’s a great way to earn extra cash from home by doing something you already enjoy doing.
The key is to start somewhere, even if it’s with the lower-paying beginner sites. As you build up your examples and prove yourself, you can move on to the higher-paying opportunities.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite author along the way. Getting paid to read books you love?
That’s not a bad gig at all.
Of course, like most things, the more reviews you write, the more experience you’ll get, and the better your writing will become, which means you will get paid more to review books!
So what are you waiting for?
Pick a couple of sites from this list and start applying today. Your next great read (and paycheck) is waiting for you.
interesting I need to get a blog however
I think is a great opportunity i will go for the online book club and any subject books both are very interesting and easy to work with.
I think it is a big opportunity to work online and expend our knowledge wall and it is easy to work with
Interesting. I really need this right now
An interesting site which offers opportunities to make money and expand one’s knowledge in the area of interest.
Wouldn’t mind giving it a try.
Super interesting and for me and I think its a big opportunity to make money online for all student have don’t enough money to buy the things we want…and its so super cool as in.