Get Paid to Read & Review Books: Top Sites That Pay Up to $150+ per Book

Hey there, book lovers and aspiring reviewers! 📚❤️ Are you passionate about reading and sharing your thoughts on the latest page-turners? 💭📖

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your love for books into a rewarding side hustle or even a full-time gig, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore a list of fantastic platforms where you can get paid to read and review books. 💰📚

From dedicated book review mags and journals to freelancing websites to starting your own blog, there’s something for everyone. Plus, we’ll dive into how much you can potentially earn – up to $150 per book – and how to get started on each platform. 💸🔍

So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s embark on this literary journey together! ☕🚀

1. OnlineBookClub.org

OnlineBookClub.org is a haven for book lovers, offering a vast online platform that’s been around for over a decade. With over 5 million members worldwide, it’s a vibrant community where you can share your passion for books. 🌍📖

From professional reviews to organizing your reads with the Bookshelves web app, it’s all here. Plus, enjoy daily deals ranging from free grabs to hefty discounts, perfect for expanding your collection on a budget. 💸📉

And with its book and reading forums, you can chat about your latest read anytime, without the hassle of scheduling a book club meeting. 💬🕒

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Book Reviewers: Members can apply to read & review books and get paid for it. You must be 18 or older to participate in paid reviews. 🧑‍💼💰

• Honesty is paramount: Reviews must be genuine. 🤝📝

• Spelling & Grammar: Proofread your reviews for errors. ✍️🔍

• Minimum Word Count: Reviews should be at least 300 words long. 📄🔢

• No Spoilers: Keep the plot secrets to yourself. 🤫📚

• Rate & Explain: Include a rating from 1 to 5 and justify it. ⭐👩‍⚖️

• Critique & Praise: Mention areas for improvement or why the book was exceptional. 👍👎

• Editing Quality: Note the editing quality, especially if the book has zero or numerous errors. 📝✅

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Your first book review is unpaid, serving as a chance to showcase your skills. 🆓🖋️

• After your initial review, earnings range from $5 to $60 per review, with the amount clearly stated upfront. 💵💼

• The more you engage and improve, the higher your earning potential. Payments are made exclusively via PayPal. 💰📈

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• Signing Up: Join for free and access all site features at no cost. 🚀📝

• Discover Free Books: Find a wide range of free eBooks tailored to your interests. 📚🔍

• Choose, Download, & Dive In: Select books you like and enjoy up to 14 days to read each one. 📖🕓

• Submit Your First Review: Make a good impression with your first review, which is unpaid. 📄👀

• Enter the World of Paid Reviews: Start earning with your second review, with payments from $5 to $60 per review. 💸🌟

📌📑 Read more about OnlineBookClub.org here.

READ & REVIEW FOR ONLINEBOOKCLUB ➤

2. Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews is a titan in the book realm, established in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus. It’s the nation’s leading prepublication journal of book reviews, known for those star ratings on book covers. 📚🌟

With over 90 years in the game, Kirkus is the gold standard in book reviews – insightful, straight-shooting, and never settling for less. 🥇✨

Covering more than 7,000 books published by traditional houses and over 3,000 self-published books each year, Kirkus Reviews is revered as the first indicator of a book’s potential. 🏆🔍

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Book Reviewer (Freelance/Project Basis, Anywhere)

• Kirkus Media is seeking experienced book reviewers for English and Spanish-language titles for Kirkus Indie, dedicated to self-published authors. 📖🌐

• Reviews should be about 350 words and are due two weeks after the book is assigned. Kirkus reviews nearly all genres for books of all lengths, in digital, hardcover, and paperback formats. ✍️📆

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• You can earn $50 per review, and if your review is exceptional, you could earn up to $75. 💰💡

• For shorter picture book reviews, that’s $40 for 250 words. 📚💸

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• To apply, submit your resume, writing samples, and a list of reviewing specialties to Kirkus Indie Editor David Rapp at Drapp@kirkus.com. 📝📩

READ & REVIEW FOR KIRKUS REVIEWS ➤

3. BookLife by Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly, known as PW and “the bible of the book business,” is a weekly news magazine with a 150-year history in the international book publishing industry. 📚🌍

It offers news, feature articles, bestsellers lists, and industry statistics, but is best known for its pre-publication book reviews, publishing over 8,500 per year. 📕📘

BookLife Reviews is PW’s platform for paid, professional reviews of independent and self-published books. 📖💼

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Freelance Book Reviewers to cover independent and self-published books.

• Ideal candidates should have well-rounded interests and be comfortable reviewing books in genres like general fiction, nonfiction, business/finance, romance, sci-fi/fantasy/horror, self-help, spirituality/inspiration, mystery/thriller, poetry, memoir, YA/middle grade, and picture books. 🕵️‍♀️📚

• Book enthusiasts with specific educational backgrounds are preferred, but all are welcome to apply.

• Ideal applicants should have a keen eye for sensitive content, assess stereotypes, and be able to meet deadlines. 👀⏰

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• BookLife pays an honorarium of $25-$75 per review. 💰💸

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• To apply, send a resume and a sample review (approximately 200 words) of a recently published book to reviewers@publishersweekly.com. 📝📩

• Follow the email subject heading format “BookLife Reviewing:” followed by the categories you are interested in (e.g., “BookLife Reviewing: Nonfiction, Mystery/Thriller”).

• Ensure your application follows the guidelines and includes all necessary materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 🚫📋

• Members of diverse communities are highly encouraged to apply. 🌈🤝

READ & REVIEW FOR PW ➤

4. Booklist

Booklist, published by the American Library Association for over 100 years, is a book-review magazine that serves as a crucial resource for library and education workers. 📚🏫

It offers reliable reviews to guide purchasing decisions for libraries and reading choices for patrons and students. 🏛️📖

With two print magazines, an extensive website, and additional resources like e-newsletters and webinars, Booklist supports librarians in collection development and readers’ advisory. 📜🦉

Booklist Online provides free content, including a Review of the Day and additional reviews exclusive to the website, while subscribers gain access to digital editions and a database of over 180,000 reviews dating back to 1992. 🌐💻

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Book Reviewers to write for Booklist, serving the specific purpose of guiding school and public library workers in purchasing and suggesting books. 📖✍️

• Reviews are brief but impactful, 150-175 words, providing context, plot synopsis, ideal audience, and readalikes. 📄🔍

• Booklist reviewers must be familiar with books, libraries, and the U.S. and Canada book market. Library reader’s advisory or selection work is highly desired. 🏛️📚

• Reviewers should meet deadlines, maintain integrity (no plagiarism or use of AI tools), exhibit professional curiosity, and demonstrate social awareness in their reviews. ⏰👩‍🏫

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Booklist pays $15 per review, with the average reviewer writing two to three reviews per month. 💵📆

• You’re paid once your review is published, and if a review is held for a later issue, payment may be delayed. 🕒💰

• A “reject fee” of $5 is given if you reject a title. 🚫💸

• Reviewers receive a subscription to Booklist in print with online access, and all reviews are signed with your name in the byline. 📰🖋️

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• Fill out the new reviewer application and indicate your areas of interest. Your application will be directed to the appropriate editor. 📝📬

• Due to the volume of applications, not every applicant will receive a response. 📥❌

• New reviewers are considered “in-training” and will work closely with a Booklist editor to understand the publication’s style and expectations. Training reviewers receive one book at a time until they grasp the style and expectations. 📖👩‍🏫

READ & REVIEW FOR BOOKLIST ➤

5. The US Review of Books

The US Review of Books is a contemporary book review publication based in the US, run by professional reviewers and editors. 🇺🇸📝

Operating in the spirit of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine, the publication welcomes all thoughts and accepts all books for review, advocating for public discussion of books, concepts, and ideas. 📚🗣️

The US Review of Books stands out from other online review publications in several ways, including cultivating book reviewing talent for consistency, adhering to strict guidelines and style restrictions, and maintaining a professional publication with a solid subscription base and legitimate social media audience. 🌟💻

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Freelance Writers to review books for the publication. 🖋️📖

• Reviewers are spread across the United States, each adding a unique voice while adhering to the publication’s strict guidelines. 🇺🇸📚

• Book titles are periodically posted for potential reviewers, who select titles based on preference and best fit. 📝📚

• Standard reviews run 250-300 words, summarizing the book and revealing insights drawn from the reading. ✍️🔍

• Reviews may include short quotes, comparisons to similar books, author insights, and informed opinions, but should avoid clichés and casual tones. 🚫🗣️

• Reviewers can assign a “recommended” rating to outstanding titles. ⭐👍

• Completed reviews should be returned within 2-3 weeks, and all review copy is edited to the Chicago Manual of Style. ⏳✅

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Varies. Reviewers are paid monthly for every review completed during the previous month, with checks sent by the 5th day of each month. 💰📅

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• Contact the editor with a resume, sample work, and at least two professional references. 📩📄

• Submit materials by email or regular mail, and review the expectations for each review before sending samples. 📮📧

• Mail: The US Review of Books, PO Box 11, Titusville, NJ 08560-0011

• Fax: (609) 964-1718

• Email: editor@theUSreview.com

READ & REVIEW FOR THE US REVIEW ➤

6. Poetry Magazine

Poetry Magazine, founded in 1912 by Harriet Monroe, is the oldest monthly poetry journal in the English-speaking world. It has featured works from iconic poets like T.S. Eliot, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes. 📚🌎

Published by the Poetry Foundation, the magazine aims to promote poetry and lyricism in the wider culture. Based in Chicago, it publishes contemporary work in English and translations from poets worldwide. 📜🗺️

In addition to its print publication, Poetry offers a digital app, a biweekly podcast, and free online access to its entire archive. 📖🌐

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Book Reviews: While primarily known for poetry and prose related to poetry, the magazine also welcomes book reviews. 📝🔍

• Reviews should consider 2 or more new poetry collections, focusing on shared themes or aesthetics across works by different poets. 📚🤝

• Reviews can also focus on multiple books by a single author or on collected/new and selected works. 📖✨

• The magazine is interested in reviews of underappreciated or overlooked works from the last year. 🕵️‍♂️💎

• Reviews should not focus on a single book. Submissions of single-book reviews will be declined. ❌📕

• Poetry encourages exploratory writing that demonstrates the relevance of poetry to everyday life and fosters conversation between poets, reviewers, and readers. 🗣️🌍

• Typical review length is about 1,200 – 1,800 words, with a maximum of seven pages total. 📃📏

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Poetry Magazine pays $150 per published page, for up to 7 pages (maximum pay is therefore $1,050). 💰📄

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• Submit via Submittable. ➡️🌐

• Send only one submission at a time per category and wait until you hear back before submitting a new one. 📤🕒

• With a small staff reviewing over 100,000 submissions per year, response time can be up to eight months. 📆📥

• Only submit previously unpublished work. Writing that has appeared online, including social media, is considered published. 🚫🌐

• Set your spam filter to allow emails from submissions@poetrymagazine.org to ensure you receive their response. 📧🔧

• Submissions are closed annually from June 15 through September 15. 🗓️🔒

📌📑 Read more about Poetry Magazine here.

READ & REVIEW FOR POETRY ➤

7. BookBrowse

BookBrowse is your guide to exceptional books, offering a curated selection of the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction. 📚🌟

For over two decades, BookBrowse has provided readers with books that engage, entertain, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world. 🤝🌎

With a focus on quality over quantity, BookBrowse recommends only the best of the best, giving you all the information you need to choose the right books for you. 💡✅

The platform offers in-depth reviews, “beyond the book” articles, read-alike recommendations, previews of notable upcoming books, and extensive resources for book clubs. 📖💡

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Reviewers: BookBrowse seeks reviewers who can write to a comparable standard to the reviews and articles featured on the site. 🖋️📚

• Applicants should have high-quality sample reviews of at least 300 words. 📄✍️

• Reviews should cover both adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as some young adult books. Books selected for review are not only enjoyable to read but also provide insights into the world. 🌍📖

• Reviewers are also expected to write a “beyond the book” article for each book they review. 📝🔍

• Reviewers typically write about one review a month and receive a byline and modest payment. 📆💰

• While most reviewers are based in the USA, BookBrowse is open to international reviewers. However, due to working exclusively with American publishers, print copies may not be available outside the USA. International applicants should be comfortable reading ebooks. 🌎📱

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Reviewers receive a byline and a modest payment for their contributions. 💵📝

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• To apply as a reviewer, fill out the reviewer application form on BookBrowse’s website. 📋🖱️

• The application form will ask for your personal details, areas of interest as a reviewer, and two sample reviews that you have written. 📋✅

• You can also provide a link to a website where more samples of your writing can be viewed, such as a blog or other review websites. 🌐🔗

• Use the optional space to tell BookBrowse about yourself and anything relevant for them to know about you as a potential reviewer. 📝🤓

READ & REVIEW FOR BOOKBROWSE ➤

8. Reedsy Discovery

Reedsy Discovery is a platform dedicated to discovering and championing the next indie masterpieces. 📚✨

It is part of Reedsy, a company founded in 2014 by Emmanuel Nataf, Ricardo Fayet, Vincent Durand, and Matt Cobb, which aims to change the way books are published by providing authors and publishers access to talented professionals and powerful tools. 📖💪

Reedsy boasts a community of over 1 million authors and 3,700 freelance professionals, helping bring more than 15,000 books to market each year. 🌍📈

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

• Passionate Book Reviewers: If you love reading new books before anyone else and have a knack for writing insightful reviews, Reedsy Discovery is looking for you. 📖💡

• Reviewers get access to hundreds of books for free before they are published and can manage submissions directly from authors. 📚🔍

• Your review will go live on Discovery on the author’s launch day, exposing it to thousands of readers. 🚀👀

• Complete your profile to build your brand and reach a whole new community of bookish fans. 📝🌟

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Get rewarded for your work with tips from readers. When readers enjoy your work, they can send $1, $3, $5, or an amount of their choice your way. 💰👏

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• Apply to become a reviewer: Submit your application on Reedsy Discovery’s website. 📋🖱️

• You will be asked to create a Reedsy Account and fill up the reviewer application form, which includes your details, a short bio, your average number of books read per year, the genres you review, and examples of your reviews. 📄✍️

• Ensure you have examples of reviews in the format(s) you’d like to publish on Discovery (written or video review). 🎥📝

• Include your social accounts and the review you’re most proud of to show why you’d make an excellent reviewer on Discovery. 🌐🏆

READ & REVIEW FOR REEDSY ➤

9. Upwork

Upwork is a freelancing platform that caters to a wide range of services, including book reviews and book reviewers. 🌐💼

If you have a talent for reviewing books and want to monetize your skills, Upwork is the place to freelance and get paid for your work. 👩‍💻💵

Whether you’re a seasoned reviewer or just starting, Upwork provides a platform to connect with clients looking for your expertise. 📚💡

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Set Your Own Rate: On Upwork, you have the flexibility to set your own hourly rate or project price. Your earnings will depend on your skills, experience, and the demand for book reviewers. 💰📈

• Build Your Reputation: The better your ratings and reviews from clients, the more you can charge for your services over time. Consistently delivering high-quality work can lead to higher earnings and more opportunities. ⭐🚀

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• Create an Account: Sign up on Upwork and complete the registration process. 📝✅

• Complete Your Profile: Fill out your profile with details about your book reviewing experience, skills, and credentials. Make sure to highlight why clients should hire you and what sets you apart from other reviewers. 🖋️🌟

• Showcase Your Work: If possible, include samples of your book reviews or links to your work to give potential clients an idea of your writing style and expertise. 📖🔗

• Start Bidding on Jobs: Browse the job listings for book review projects and start submitting proposals to clients. Tailor each proposal to the specific job and explain how you can meet the client’s needs. 📋💬

• Communicate Effectively: Once you land a job, communicate clearly and professionally with your client to ensure a smooth working relationship. Deliver your reviews on time and according to the client’s specifications. 📆📬

READ & REVIEW ON UPWORK ➤

10. Fiverr

Fiverr is another popular freelancing platform that offers a wide range of services, including opportunities for beta readers. 🌐💼

While not specifically focused on book reviewers, Fiverr provides a platform for beta readers, who are essentially test readers of unreleased works. 🤓📑

As a beta reader, you’ll read unpublished works and provide feedback to the author on aspects like plot, pacing, and consistency, helping them improve their manuscript before publication. 📚🔍

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Set Your Own Rate: On Fiverr, you have the flexibility to set your own price for your services. Your earnings will depend on your experience, the quality of your feedback, and the demand for beta readers. 💰📈

• Build Your Reputation: Just like on Upwork, your ratings and reviews from clients can help you increase your rates over time. Consistently delivering valuable feedback can lead to higher earnings and more opportunities. ⭐🚀

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

• Create an Account: Sign up on Fiverr and complete the registration process. 📝✅

• Complete Your Profile: Fill out your profile with details about your experience as a beta reader, your skills, and your credentials. Make sure to highlight why clients should hire you and what sets you apart from other beta readers. 🖋️🌟

• Create a Gig: Set up a gig offering your beta reading services. Be clear about what you offer, how much you charge, and the turnaround time for your feedback. 📦💬

• Showcase Your Work: If possible, include samples of your feedback or testimonials from authors you’ve worked with to give potential clients an idea of your expertise. 📖🔗

• Start Receiving Orders: Once your gig is live, clients can start ordering your services. Communicate clearly with your clients, deliver your feedback on time, and ensure you meet their expectations. 📆📬

READ & REVIEW ON FIVERR ➤

11. Your own book review blog

Ever dreamed of having a cozy corner on the internet where you can share your love for books, discuss plot twists, and connect with fellow bibliophiles? 📚💭

Consider starting your own book review blog. It’s not just a platform for your thoughts; it can also be a lucrative venture if you strategize well. 📈🤑

By combining your passion for books with smart monetization methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and ads, you can turn your bookish hobby into a profitable business. 🌟💸

WHY START MY OWN BOOK REVIEW BLOG?

• Creative Freedom: You’re in charge of your content, style, and schedule. Express your unique voice and perspectives without any constraints. ✍️🎨

• Community Building: Cultivate a community of readers who share your passion. Engage with your audience through comments, book clubs, and social media. 🤝📖

• Monetization Opportunities: Diversify your income through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and selling your own products or services. 💰📈

• Authority & Influence: As your blog grows, so does your credibility in the book world. Gain access to advance review copies and exclusive literary events. 🏆📚

• Personal Growth: Improve your writing skills, expand your literary horizons, and develop valuable digital marketing expertise. 📝🌱

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?

• Earnings can vary widely, from $1,000 to $10,000 a month or more, depending on your blog’s reach and monetization strategies. 📊💵

• Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by recommending books and linking to online retailers. 🛍️📚

• Sponsorships: Partner with publishers, libraries, or bookstores for sponsored reviews or collaborations. 🤝💼

• Review Fees: Charge independent authors or self-published authors for professional reviews of their books. 📝💰

• Sell Your Own Products: Create and sell your own books, courses, or book-related merchandise. 🛒📘

• Advertisements: Display ads on your blog for additional revenue. 🖥️💸

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Ready to start your own blog?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a blog for beginners and earn an income. 🚀💼

START A BLOG & MAKE MONEY ➤

Final thoughts

And there you have it – some amazing opportunities to monetize your passion for books and book reviews. 🌟📚

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your reviewing repertoire, these platforms offer a variety of ways to turn your bookish insights into cash

Remember, success in book reviewing takes time, dedication, and a genuine love for reading. ⏳❤️

So, keep honing your skills, engaging with your audience, and exploring new opportunities to get paid to read and review books.

Don’t forget to bookmark this blog post or keep coming back, as I’ll be continuously updating it with more book review opportunities and tips to help you thrive in the literary world. 📌🔄

Happy reading and reviewing! 🎉📚