5 Legitimate Ways to Get Paid to Read Books

By Emily Numa
Oct 23, 2023
4 min read

Have you ever wished that you could get paid to read books but didn’t think it was possible? Believe it or not, it is – and we’ve got the details! In this post, we’ll discuss how you can find a rewarding literary career that you’re passionate about. If you love books, keep reading to learn more about how you can get paid to read – and how Knowadays can help!

How to Get Paid to Read Books

Although it may seem too good to be true, there are jobs out there where you can get paid to read books of all subjects and genres. Next, let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways you can turn your love of reading into an income stream.

1. Proofreading

Proofreaders review a text for issues such as grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, typos, and inconsistencies and correct them before publication. It’s an ideal career for book lovers – as a proofreader, you can spend the entire workday reading! And unless you decide to focus on a niche specialization, you could be reading about a different subject every day. While you don’t need a specialized degree to become a proofreader, you do need to have a strong grasp of the English language and basic computer skills (and a love of the written word!).

2. Editing

Many editors get their start as proofreaders since there is some overlap between the two jobs. Both editors and proofreaders thoroughly review a text for correctness, clarity, and consistency. However, editors examine a text more intensively than proofreaders do. They provide their input on a variety of big-picture issues such as plot and character development, chapter organization, and tone of voice. So not only do book editors get to read for a living – they also get to collaborate with authors and help take a book from development to publication.

3. Book Reviewing

If you love to give your opinion about the books you read, you could have a future as a professional book reviewer. Book reviewers get paid to share their critical analysis of what they read in newspapers, magazines, or online. You could break into this career by starting your own book reviewing blog and slowly building a portfolio of samples. You could also share your reviews on social media, for example by joining the BookTok or Bookstagram community. Then, apply for freelance reviewer roles, such as this one with Kirkus Reviews or this one from Booklist.

4. Literary Translation

Literary translators work on translating books from one language to another, making it the perfect career choice for voracious readers. While you don’t usually need formal training to become a literary translator, you do need to be proficient in at least two languages. You’ll also need to be able to understand the style, tone, and cultural context of a particular book. If you’re interested in literary translation, the Emerging Translators Network can be a great resource for new translators.

5. Audiobook Narration

If you have a background in acting or are skilled at reading aloud, you could pursue a career as an audiobook narrator. You could practice by recording yourself reading different types of texts, from novels to nonfiction books, and playing back the recordings to assess your performance. Experiment with different tones and styles to find your voice. Then, create a demo reel and sign up for an online marketplace. Sites such as Upwork or Voices can help you get your name out there and start sourcing clients.

Knowadays Courses

If you have a love of reading and want to turn it into a career, Knowadays can help! Check out our comprehensive Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about kick-starting a new proofreading or editing career – and if you pass both courses with a distinction score of at least 80%, you’re guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. Claim your free trial today to get started!