How to Get Paid to Read Books: 7 Legit Book Review Jobs

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There is a particular kind of person who can lose an entire afternoon to a book and then, after finishing it, immediately start thinking about what worked, what didn’t, and whether they’d recommend it to someone else. I am that person. And if you’re that person too, you’ve probably wondered the same thing I have: Can you actually get paid to read books?

The short answer is yes — but probably not in the way you’re imagining!

Most legitimate opportunities won’t pay you simply to sit on the sofa, read a novel, and call it a day. You’re usually being paid for what comes after the reading: writing a book review, providing thoughtful feedback, analyzing a manuscript, or doing professional editorial work.

Still, if you’re already spending hours reading every month, why not see whether some of those hours can earn you a little extra money?

I’ve rounded up 7 legit platforms where you can potentially get paid to read and review books, from beginner-friendly platforms to professional book-review publications. Some require nothing more than a willingness to write, while others expect proper reviewing experience and strong samples.

And yes, there are a few catches. Because apparently even our TBR piles can’t make us rich without making us work for it.

And if you’re new to reading or finding your way back to it, I’ve got a guide to some great beginner books across different genres to get you started.

Best for: beginners looking for free books and paid review opportunities

If you’ve never been paid to review books before, Online Book Club is one of the more approachable places to start.

The concept is fairly simple: choose a book available through the platform, read it, and submit a review according to its guidelines.

There is an important catch, though: your first review isn’t paid. You receive the book for free, and after completing an approved first review, you can become eligible for paid reviewing opportunities.

According to Online Book Club, paid reviews can range from around $5 to $60, depending on the assignment. The platform also says reviewers are paid for honest reviews rather than being required to give books positive ratings.

How to apply

• Create a free Online Book Club account.
• Browse the books available for review.
• Select a book that interests you.
• Complete your first review according to the site’s requirements.
• Once your first review is approved, look for paid opportunities.
• Choose assignments you genuinely want to read.
• Read the book and submit your review before the deadline.
• Receive the payment specified for the assignment.

The good

• Free to join
• You can receive books to read
• No professional reviewing background is required to get started
• Some assignments pay up to $60
• You can choose books that appeal to you

The not-so-good

• Your first review is unpaid
• Individual payments can be fairly small
• You have to follow the platform’s requirements carefully
• The income isn’t consistent enough to treat as a regular salary

If you’re completely new to paid book reviewing, this can be a way to see whether you actually enjoy reviewing books professionally before trying to build a larger portfolio.

Best for: readers who enjoy serious book analysis

BookBrowse is a little different from simply writing, “I loved this book!” Here, you’ll need to demonstrate that you can actually analyze literature.

BookBrowse says it receives hundreds of applications each month and accepts less than 1% of applicants. Its reviewers generally write a 600–1,000-word review, along with a “Beyond the Book” article exploring a subject connected to the book. The average payment is currently around $60 per review.

That’s considerably more work than writing a casual Goodreads review, but you’re also gaining experience writing the kind of analytical content that editors look for.

How to apply

Before applying, read several reviews already published on BookBrowse. Then:

• Prepare two original review samples of at least 300 words.
• Make sure your samples demonstrate analysis rather than simply summarizing the plot.
• Submit the application through BookBrowse’s reviewer application.
• Tell them which genres and subjects you’re most comfortable reviewing.
• If accepted, you’ll receive assignments based on their current needs.

One particularly important detail: BookBrowse specifically states that applicants should not submit AI-generated reviews or samples. So yes, this is one of those situations where your actual voice matters.

The good

• Around $60 per review on average
• Good opportunity for thoughtful readers
• Gives you experience writing professional reviews
• Reviewers receive a byline
• International reviewers can apply, although physical books may not always be available outside the U.S.

The not-so-good

• Extremely competitive
• Reviews require substantial effort
• Assignments aren’t guaranteed
• You need to be comfortable with analytical writing

If you’re the kind of reader who likes thinking about why a book works rather than simply deciding whether you liked it, this type of book review job may be much more your thing.

Best for: experienced writers looking for professional reviewing work

If you’ve spent any time around the publishing world, you’ve probably heard of Kirkus Reviews.

This isn’t really a beginner side hustle in the traditional sense. Kirkus works with freelance reviewers, and its current careers information says reviewers work on assignments covering English and Spanish-language titles.

Reviews are approximately 350 words, and reviewers generally have two weeks after receiving an assignment to complete the work. So this is much closer to freelance writing than simply getting paid to read in your spare time.

How to apply

Kirkus asks prospective reviewers to submit:

• A résumé
• Writing samples
• A list of reviewing specialties

Your samples should show that you can write clearly, critically, and concisely. A professional book review doesn’t simply tell readers what happened. It considers elements such as the writing, structure, characters, argument, pacing, or other aspects relevant to the book.

The good

• Work for a recognizable book-review publication
• Freelance/project-based assignments
• Reviews are relatively short
• Can strengthen your writing portfolio
• Covers a wide range of books

The not-so-good

• You need strong writing samples
• Acceptance isn’t guaranteed
• Assignments come with deadlines
• Kirkus doesn’t publicly list a standard reviewer payment rate on its current careers page

If you’re brand new to reviewing, building a few strong samples first may make more sense than jumping straight into professional assignments.

Best for: writers who want paid assignments without writing enormous reviews

Foreword Reviews is another established publication that works with freelance book reviewers. One thing that makes it particularly interesting is that it publishes its current reviewer payment: $55 per review.

Reviewers generally have about a month to complete an assignment, and the books they receive are theirs to keep. You’re also not required to accept every assignment offered to you.

That flexibility can be useful if you’re trying to fit reading around an existing job, writing schedule, or, let’s be honest, several other books already sitting on your nightstand.

How to apply

You can contact Foreword Reviews’ managing editor and introduce yourself. It helps to have:

• A résumé or CV
• A few examples of your writing
• The genres you know particularly well
• A clear explanation of your reviewing experience, if you have any

If they’re interested, you may be asked to complete a sample review in the publication’s style.

The good

• $55 per review
• You keep the books
• A relatively generous deadline
• You can decline assignments that don’t interest you
• Useful experience for freelance writers

The not-so-good

• You’ll need to demonstrate good writing
• Assignments aren’t guaranteed
• You need to follow the publication’s reviewing style
• It’s unlikely to provide a large, predictable monthly income

For writers who already know how to put together a polished book review, this is an interesting one to have on your radar.

And if you are thinking specifically about getting a Kindle, I’ve reviewed Amazon’s e-readers to help you pick one, and who knows, it might be the first step toward getting paid to read books!

Best for: freelance writers with reviewing experience

The U.S. Review of Books works with freelance reviewers who review books, including independently published titles. As with several of the other professional options on this list, having strong writing samples can make a big difference.

Current information about the publication indicates that reviewers are paid per assignment, with reported rates generally falling somewhere around $25–$75 per review, although you should confirm the current rate directly before accepting work.

How to apply

Prepare:

• A résumé
• Several book-review samples
• Professional references
• A list of genres or subjects you know particularly well
• Then follow the publication’s current instructions for contacting or applying to become a reviewer.
• And be specific about your expertise.

Saying “I read everything” is less useful to an editor than saying, “I regularly review contemporary fiction, literary fiction, and psychological thrillers.” The more clearly you can show what you know, the easier it is for an editor to understand where you might fit.

The good

• Freelance work
• Paid per review
• Suitable for experienced writers
• A useful addition to a professional portfolio
• Opportunities to review independently published books

The not-so-good

• You’ll need solid samples
• Assignments aren’t necessarily regular
• Rates can vary
• It’s more competitive than beginner-friendly review platforms

This is the kind of opportunity that makes more sense once you already have several good reviews under your belt.

Best for: readers who don’t mind earning a little at a time

PaidBookClub takes a much simpler approach.

The platform is built specifically around reading books and submitting reviews. According to its current website, books typically offer payments of roughly $2.40–$6 per book, with payments handled through Stripe after a review is approved. So no, this isn’t going to pay your rent.

But if you’re already reading regularly, earning a few dollars for books you were interested in anyway can be a nice little bonus.

How to apply

• Create a free account.
• Select your preferred genres.
• Browse the available books.
• Check the payment offered before choosing a book.
• Read it.
• Submit your review.
• Wait for approval.
• Receive the payment through the platform.

The good

• Simple concept
• Free to join
• Doesn’t require professional reviewing experience
• You can see the payment before selecting a book
• No need to build a large portfolio first

The not-so-good

• The payments are small
• It’s a relatively new platform
• The number of available books can change
• It shouldn’t be treated as a serious income source

If you’re happy earning small amounts here and there and simply like the idea of getting something back from your reading habit, it may be worth exploring. Just keep your expectations realistic.

Best for: readers interested in indie publishing and building a reviewer profile

Reedsy Discovery is a little different from the other options because its model has been changing. The platform connects independent authors with reviewers and has historically allowed readers to discover and review indie books.

However, Reedsy has announced changes to Discovery that are being rolled out from October 13, 2026, including changes to general reader reviews and some of its social features.

That means you should be careful with older articles claiming that Reedsy Discovery is simply a place where anyone can sign up and get paid to read books. The current reviewer system is more specific, so its current requirements and terms are what matter.

How to approach it

• Create a Reedsy account.
• Check the current Discovery reviewer requirements.
• Build your profile around the genres you genuinely understand.
• Apply or participate through the current reviewer system if eligible.
• Read assigned books carefully.
• Write independent, thoughtful reviews.
• Keep checking the platform’s current reviewer policies as the changes roll out.

The good

• Connected to the wider publishing industry
• Strong focus on independent authors
• Can help establish your identity as a reviewer
• Reedsy is already a recognizable name in publishing

The not-so-good

• Discovery is currently changing
• Older articles about the platform can be misleading
• It shouldn’t be treated as guaranteed income
• The current system is more limited than some older descriptions suggest

So keep Reedsy Discovery on your radar, but don’t sign up based solely on an old article promising easy money for reading books.

Here’s the slightly less exciting answer: yes, but reading itself usually isn’t the product you’re being paid for.

Your ability to read critically, write clearly, meet deadlines, and give useful feedback is what turns reading into a potential source of income. That’s why you’ll notice a pattern across these seven opportunities.

Some are designed for beginners. Others expect professional writing samples. Some pay a few dollars, while others offer considerably more for a substantial review. And none of them should be treated as guaranteed monthly income.

If you’re already a regular reader, though, there’s nothing wrong with exploring whether your reading and writing skills can earn you a little extra money. And if you are in some sort of reading slump, you might find lots of recommendations in my Reader’s Choice section.

Please know that you don’t necessarily need to apply to every single platform on this list. If you’re completely new to book review jobs, start by writing a few reviews of books you’ve already read.

Publish them on your blog, Medium, Goodreads, or wherever you like. The goal isn’t to pretend you’re already a professional critic. It’s to create a small portfolio that shows an editor what you can actually do.

As you practice, you’ll naturally get better at analyzing a book instead of simply summarizing what happened. And when you eventually apply for paid book reviewing work, you’ll have something to show an editor besides: “I really, really love books.”

Trust me. Loving books is an excellent starting point. It’s just not quite a résumé.

Here’s the part many aspiring reviewers overlook. Editors don’t need someone who can tell them what happens in a book. They need someone who can explain whether the book succeeds at what it’s trying to do.

Before applying for paid book review jobs, write three or four strong sample reviews. A good review should generally answer these questions:

1. What is the book trying to do?

Give readers enough context to understand the premise without turning the review into a plot summary.

2. What works?

Talk about the elements that genuinely stand out. Maybe the characters are beautifully developed. Maybe the author’s voice is unforgettable. Maybe the argument is particularly convincing. Tell it all to the reader!

3. What doesn’t work?

A professional review doesn’t have to be positive. Thoughtful criticism is often much more useful than empty praise.

4. Why?

This is probably the most important question. Don’t just write, “The characters were great.” Explain what made them convincing. Don’t just say, “The pacing was slow.” Explain whether the slower pacing created atmosphere or simply made the story drag.

5. Who should read it?

Help the reader understand whether this book is likely to suit them. And remember: don’t turn your entire review into a plot summary. A reviewer isn’t being hired to retell the book. They’re being hired to think about it.

This might be the most important thing to remember when looking for legitimate ways to get paid to read books. If a website tells you to pay $49, $99, or $200 to “unlock” its book-review jobs, be extremely cautious.

There are legitimate publishing services where authors pay for professional reviews. That’s a normal business model. But that’s completely different from a company asking you, the reviewer, to pay for access to work.

Also be skeptical of anyone promising enormous amounts of money for very little reading. The real opportunities are considerably less glamorous. You read the book. You take notes. You think about it. You write. Someone evaluates your work. And, if the assignment is accepted, you get paid.

It isn’t a magic way to make hundreds of dollars every time you finish a novel. But if you’re already spending hours reading every month, getting paid a little for something you genuinely enjoy isn’t a bad deal at all. And perhaps the best part? Your next bookstore trip might finally be able to justify itself.

So, can you really get paid to read books? Yes — but there’s a little more to it than simply finishing a novel and waiting for money to appear in your bank account.

The real value is in what you bring to the reading. You read carefully, notice what works and what doesn’t, form an opinion, put your thoughts into words, and give someone else a useful perspective on the book. That’s what publishers, editors, and reviewing platforms are actually paying for.

And that means you don’t necessarily need to be a professional critic to get started. Begin with the thing you already have: a love of books and something interesting to say about them.

Start small, write a few reviews, build your portfolio, and see where your reading takes you. You might not replace your day job with book reviews, but you could turn something you already love into a little extra income, and get a few free books along the way.

And if you’re always looking for more ways to make reading a bigger part of your life, come explore The Reader Life for book recommendations, reading tips, Kindle guides, and plenty more bookish goodness.