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By Nahid | Founder of Trexera
The 18 Best Ways to Make Money by Reading Books (Yes, It’s Real!)
If someone had told me a few years ago that I could make money just by reading books, I would’ve laughed it off. I always loved reading — it was my escape, my therapy, my personal university. But turning it into a side hustle or even a full-time income? That seemed like a dream.
Fast forward to now, and I’ve discovered not just one or two, but 18 legit ways to actually make money from reading books. Some are fun, some take skill, and others just need consistency. Here’s what I’ve learned — maybe it’ll inspire you too.
1. Get Paid to Write Book Reviews
Websites like Online Book Club, Kirkus Reviews, and Reedsy Discovery pay reviewers to read and give honest feedback on new books. I started with Online Book Club — it doesn’t pay much at first, but it’s a foot in the door.
2. Start a Book Blog
I created my own blog where I reviewed books, shared reading lists, and posted personal reflections. With affiliate links to Amazon and a few partnerships, it started generating passive income.
3. Become a Narrator for Audiobooks
If you’ve got a decent voice and can read clearly, you can become a voice artist on platforms like ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange).
4. YouTube Channel for Book Summaries
I noticed that many people prefer quick summaries instead of reading the whole book. You can launch a YouTube channel where you can explain books in under 10 minutes. Monetization came through ads and sponsorships.
5. Proofreading and Editing Manuscripts
Writers often need people to proofread their work. If you're good at spotting grammar and structure issues, you can offer your services on Upwork, Fiverr, or directly to indie authors.
6. Join Amazon’s Kindle Reading Programs
By reviewing Kindle books or joining programs like Amazon Vine, you can receive free books — and sometimes, depending on your profile, you can get paid for feedback or reviews.
7. Read Books and Create a Podcast
This one surprised me. I started a podcast sharing life lessons from books I read, and eventually got sponsorships. Reading + talking = income? Yes, please!
8. Teach Others What You Learn From Books
Some books (especially non-fiction or self-help) offer so much value that I began teaching what I learned in workshops or online classes. Udemy and Teachable are great platform for teaching.
9. Join Book Affiliate Programs
Every time someone buys a book I recommend through my affiliate link (from Amazon or Bookshop.org), I earn a small commission. It adds up over time — especially when you’ve built trust with your audience.
10. Beta Reading for Authors
Authors often want early feedback before publishing. I joined Facebook writing groups and offered beta reading services. Some even pay $50-$200 per book!
11. Work as a Librarian or Bookstore Assistant
Okay, maybe this isn’t 100% online, but it’s a dream job if you love books. Being surrounded by books and getting paid — I did this part-time, and it was heaven.
12. Create Book-Related Merch
I once designed bookmarks, tote bags, and reading journals with quotes from my favorite books and sold them on Etsy. Readers love cute bookish stuff!
13. Translate Books
If you're fluent in another language, translating books (especially indie ones) is a great niche. I knew a friend who earned well translating English novels into Hindi.
14. Review Books on Medium
I wrote book reviews and essays on Medium.com, and once one of my articles went viral. Medium’s Partner Program pays you based on reading time — and it’s been a good income stream.
15. Become a Book Scout
Some publishing houses or literary agents pay people to find promising new indie books. It’s rare but possible — and very cool if you’re good at spotting talent.
16. Write Summaries for Blinkist or GetAbstract
If you’re great at condensing ideas, companies like Blinkist hire writers to create 15-minute summaries of popular non-fiction books.
17. Start a Paid Book Club
I started a virtual book club with a small fee (for curation, live discussions, and bonus content). It became a community and an income source at the same time.
18. Write Your Own Book
This one’s the most powerful. Reading helped me understand storytelling, structure, and emotional impact. Eventually, I wrote my own eBook and self-published it on Amazon. It was surreal to earn money from what I learned through reading.
Final Thoughts
Books changed my life — not just emotionally or intellectually, but financially too. What started as a passion turned into profit.
Start small. Stay curious. And read like your bank account depends on it — because sometimes, it actually does.
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