You’re lost in a book, completely oblivious to the world around you. Oh, what’s that buzz? The harsh reality of unpaid bills? What if you could turn those pages into paychecks? It’s not as easy as it sounds, but the opportunity is certainly within reach. So, buckle up, bookworms! It’s time to dive into the world of profitable reading.
The Unlikely Profit: Reading
Arvyn Cerézo, an arts and culture writer, reveals an unexpected benefit of reading books: making money. Yes, your passion for reading can actually turn into a source of income. There are several ways to do this, such as working in the publishing industry, becoming a book editor or proofreader, narrating audiobooks, developing ebooks, or becoming an audiobook proof listener. However, the easiest route to start with is book reviewing.
Book Reviewing
Book reviewing is not just about reading a book and writing a few lines about it. It’s a skill that requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of the book’s content, and the ability to express your thoughts in an engaging and insightful manner. It’s not as enjoyable as leisure reading, but it can be a rewarding experience, both intellectually and financially.
Six Ways to Get Paid for Reading
There are several platforms where you can get paid to review books. These include traditional magazines and publications that pay freelancers for published reviews. Some of these platforms include PW (Publishers Weekly), Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, AudioFile, Online Book Club, and major outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian.
Publishers Weekly (PW)
PW pays $25 per review that runs about 180–200 words. You can choose how many books you can review in a month. They also offer opportunities for other kinds of writing, such as a Q&A and an author profile, which you can pitch to your editor.
Kirkus Reviews
Kirkus Reviews pays $50 for a review of about 350 words, which could go up to $75 for great writing. They also pay $40 for a review of a picture book of 250 words. However, the reviews would be for self-published books for the indie section of the magazine called Kirkus Indie.
Booklist
Booklist pays $15 for a review of 150–175 words. If you reject a book, you get $5. The best thing here is that the reviews are signed, meaning you get to have a byline attached to the review.
AudioFile
AudioFile pays $10 for a review of about a hundred words. They assign a couple of audiobooks in a month. However, the payment is disbursed twice a year, so it would take a while to receive the payment.
Online Book Club
Online Book Club is a forum that publishes book reviews. Pay varies per book, but it usually ranges from $5–60 per review. You can choose what appears as your byline.
Major Outlets
Major outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian may accept unsolicited pitches for book reviews. The rate is significantly higher, reaching as high as $800 for a 1,000-word review. However, this path is the most difficult one and requires a stellar writing portfolio and established reputation as a literary critic.
The Profitable Reading Journey
We’ve shown you the secret to turning your reading habit into a money-making venture. Remember, it’s not about getting rich quick. It’s about leveraging your passion for reading to earn some extra cash. And who knows? You might just find yourself laughing all the way to the bank, one book at a time. Now, isn’t that a plot twist worth reading about?
