Have you ever thought about making money by doing something you love, like reading books? For many people, reading is a fun way to escape into exciting stories or learn new things.
But what if you could get paid for it? The good news is, there are platforms out there that actually pay you to read books!
The problem is, not everyone knows about these opportunities. A lot of book lovers don’t realize that they can earn cash by doing something they already enjoy.
Whether you’re reading books out loud, sharing your thoughts in a review, or helping authors bring their stories to life, there are several platforms where you can get started.
In this blog, I’ll share some of the best platforms that show you how to earn money by reading books online, so keep reading!
Books That I Read to Earn Money Online
To keep the results consistent, here are some books that I read:
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
- The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
1. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)
ACX, short for Audiobook Creation Exchange, is a popular platform that connects authors, publishers, and narrators to create audiobooks. If you want to learn how to earn money by reading books online, ACX is the ideal platform.
This platform lets you turn your passion for reading into a professional opportunity. The process is simple: narrators audition for projects posted by authors or publishers, and once selected, they get to record and deliver audiobooks.
Where is the Platform Available?
ACX is available in multiple regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland. Currently, the platform is accessible via its website. ACX doesn’t have a dedicated app on Android and iOS which makes it a bit difficult to make money on the move.
Requirements to Get Yourself Registered on the Platform?
- A valid email address for registration.
- Access to basic recording equipment (microphone, headphones, and editing software).
- A sample narration of your voice.
- Proof of identity (for payment verification).
- A stable internet connection.
Types of Earning
On ACX, you earn money directly instead of reward points. Narrators have two earning options:
- Royalty Share: This lets you split earnings with the author or publisher. Every time the audiobook sells, you get a share of the revenue.
- Per-Finished-Hour (PFH) Rate: This is a fixed payment rate based on the completed audiobook length, regardless of how many hours you spend on recording and editing.
How Much Can You Earn With ACX?
Your earnings on ACX depend on your agreement type and experience level. For royalty shares, you can earn anywhere between 20% and 50% of the book’s sales revenue. If the book is a bestseller, your earnings can go up to $1,000 or more per project over time.
With the PFH model, beginners typically charge $50–$100 per finished hour, while experienced narrators can earn $200–$400 per finished hour.
My Experience: I narrated a 6-hour book at $150 per finished hour and ended up earning $900. However, recording and editing took longer than expected.
2. Upwork
Upwork is a well-known freelancing platform which can help you answer the question of how to earn money by reading books online. It’s a great place for people who love reading books and want to turn that passion into a source of income.
By signing up as a freelancer, you can offer services like audiobook narration, book reviewing, and editing. What makes Upwork unique is the flexibility it provides. You can choose your projects, set your own rates, and work with clients from all over the world.
Where is the Platform Available?
Upwork is available worldwide, making it accessible for anyone with an internet connection. The platform is available on both Android and iOS devices. You can create a gig about reading books and then start getting requests. Here’s what freelancers think about Upwork:
Requirements to Get Yourself Registered on the Platform?
- A valid email address and profile setup.
- Portfolio samples (such as a recorded narration or book review).
- Bank or payment method for receiving payments.
- A professional headline and description showcasing your skills.
- A device with a microphone or recording setup if you’re applying for narration roles.
Types of Earning
On Upwork, users earn money directly by completing projects. Clients set budgets for their projects, and freelancers bid with their rates. You can charge either hourly or on a fixed-price basis.
For instance, if a client wants an audiobook narration for a 5-hour project, they may pay a flat fee of $500, or you might charge $50/hour for your work. You can withdraw your earnings through PayPal, direct bank transfers, or other available methods.
How Much Can You Earn With Upwork?
Earnings on Upwork vary based on your skills, experience, and the complexity of the projects. Beginners might charge $30–$50 per hour for narration work.
While seasoned professionals can charge $100 or more. Fixed-price projects range from $100 for small books to $1,500 or more for detailed or lengthy ones.
3. Voices
Voices is a specialized platform for voice-over artists, including audiobook narrators. If you enjoy reading books aloud and want to turn this hobby into a career, Voices.com is an excellent place to start.
The platform connects narrators with authors, publishers, and companies looking for audiobook production. While it primarily caters to professional voice actors, beginners with good articulation and a pleasant voice can also find opportunities here.
Where is the Platform Available?
Voices is available globally, allowing narrators from different countries to join and work on projects. Voices has a mobile app available for iOS and Android users. Here’s what users think about the app:
Requirements to Get Yourself Registered on the Platform?
- A valid email address and a completed profile.
- Professional-quality demo recordings of your voice.
- Access to recording equipment (microphone, headphones, editing software).
- Payment method setup for withdrawals.
- A subscription to Voices.com’s paid membership (optional for premium access).
Types of Earning
Voices pays narrators in direct money, not reward points. You can earn through project-based payments, where clients offer fixed rates for audiobook narration. Clients post their projects with budgets, and narrators can either accept the set rate or negotiate for higher pay.
How Much Can You Earn With Voices?
Earnings on Voices vary widely depending on your experience, the length of the audiobook, and the client’s budget.
For beginners, rates typically start at $100 per finished hour, while experienced narrators can charge $250–$500 per finished hour. For instance, a 10-hour audiobook at $200 per finished hour would earn $2,000.
Remember: Clients often offer premium rates for specialized genres or challenging projects, such as books with multiple characters requiring unique voice modulation.
4. Brilliance Audio
Brilliance Audio is a platform dedicated to producing audiobooks, giving narrators opportunities to earn money by reading books professionally.
It’s known for working with major publishers like Amazon, making it an ideal choice for people who want to narrate high-quality books.
Brilliance Audio is selective about the narrators it hires, so having experience or a strong demo can give you an advantage.
The platform focuses on quality and professionalism. Narrators work closely with producers and editors to ensure the final audiobook meets the publisher’s standards.
Where is the Platform Available?
Brilliance Audio is primarily available in the United States, but international narrators can also apply if they meet the platform’s requirements. The platform doesn’t have a dedicated app, so users need to work through its website or via email communication with the team.
Requirements to Get Yourself Registered on the Platform?
- Professional recording setup (microphone, soundproofing, and editing software).
- A strong voice demo showcasing your narration skills.
- Previous experience in audiobook narration (preferred but not mandatory).
- A detailed resume highlighting relevant skills.
- Access to a reliable internet connection.
Types of Earning
Brilliance Audio offers direct payment for completed projects. Narrators are paid per finished hour, and the rate is agreed upon before starting the project. Payments are processed via direct deposit or PayPal, ensuring secure transactions.
How Much Can You Earn Through Such Platforms?
The pay rates at Brilliance Audio are competitive, starting at $150–$300 per finished hour. Experienced narrators can earn up to $500 per finished hour. For example, narrating an 8-hour book at $250 per hour would bring in $2,000.
5. Kobo Writing Life (Audiobook Narration Opportunities)
Kobo Writing Life is primarily known as a platform for authors to publish ebooks and audiobooks, but it also provides opportunities for audiobook narrators.
Kobo often seeks talented narrators to bring books to life in audio format. It’s a fantastic platform for anyone who loves storytelling and wants to explore the growing audiobook market. As a narrator, you’ll work closely with authors or the Kobo production team to ensure high-quality audio recordings.
Where is the Platform Available?
Kobo Writing Life operates internationally, making it accessible to narrators from various countries. While it doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app for narration work, its website is fully functional on both desktops and mobile devices.
Requirements to Get Yourself Registered on the Platform?
- A professional voice demo or sample recordings.
- High-quality recording equipment (microphone, soundproof space, and editing software).
- Experience in audiobook narration (preferred but not mandatory).
- A clear understanding of audiobook formatting guidelines.
- Reliable internet for communication and file transfers.
Types of Earning
Payment is project-based, with rates determined by the book’s length and complexity. Narrators typically negotiate their rates with authors or the production team before starting a project. Payments can be made via bank transfers or PayPal, depending on the agreement.
Note: Since Kobo works with both independent authors and established publishers, rates can vary widely.
How Much Can You Earn With Kobo Writing Life?
Earnings depend on the book’s length, genre, and your experience as a narrator. Beginners typically earn $100–$150 per finished hour, while experienced narrators can command $250–$500 per finished hour.
For example, narrating a 6-hour audiobook at $200 per hour would bring in $1,200.
6. Online Book Club
Online Book Club is a website where book lovers can earn money by reading and reviewing books. Unlike narration platforms, this site focuses on written reviews.
Users are given free books to read, and in return, they write detailed reviews about their reading experience. The reviews are then published on the platform, helping authors gain visibility for their work.
Where is the Platform Available?
Online Book Club is available globally. Users can access the platform through its website, which is optimized for mobile and desktop use. There’s no dedicated app, which makes it difficult for readers to earn on the go.
Requirements to Get Yourself Registered on the Platform?
- A valid email address for creating an account.
- Proficiency in writing detailed book reviews.
- Basic understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
- A device (phone, tablet, or computer) for reading ebooks.
- Reliable internet connection.
Types of Earning
Initially, readers earn free books and small payments for reviews, but as they gain experience, payments increase. The platform ensures that reviewers are paid only for genuine, thoughtful reviews.
How Much Can You Earn Through Such Platforms?
Earnings vary based on the reviewer’s experience and the number of books reviewed. Beginners might earn $10–$20 per review, while experienced reviewers can earn $50 or more.
Reviewing one book per week at $20 could bring in $80 monthly, while top reviewers could make $200–$500 per month by reviewing multiple books.
What I Didn’t Like About Using These Platforms
After using these platforms for a month, I noticed a few downsides that might make it harder for some people to earn money.
First, getting started can be tricky because most platforms require you to have special equipment, like a good microphone or editing software, which can be expensive. Some platforms, like Voices dot com, even ask you to pay for a membership to access better jobs.
Another issue is that many platforms are very competitive, so it’s not easy to get selected for projects, especially if you’re new and don’t have reviews or samples to show off your skills. Even when you do land a job, the pay can be low for beginners, making it hard to feel like your time and effort are worth it.
Lastly, payments aren’t always instant—some platforms only pay after the client approves your work, which could take weeks. All of this can make earning money slower and more difficult than expected.
Ditch Your Reading Glasses, Download Passive App!
I’ve explored all the platforms mentioned above, and have answered your burning question “how to earn money by reading books online”.
However, since survey opportunities depend on your location, most are limited to the USA, which reduces its reach. And most of these platforms only have websites and no dedicated apps (on Android and iOS).
Due to these reasons, I made the move towards Passive App. This app is for anyone looking for an easy way to earn money without reading a single word. I’ve been using it for a while, and it’s a super simple way to make money on the side.
Share Your Internet and Earn Money!
Creating an account is pretty straight forward, you only need a verified email and IP address. The app doesn’t ask for any other personal information, so you don’t have to worry about privacy. It works on Windows, and setting it up takes just a few minutes.
Passive App only gathers public data from the internet. This data is then provided to companies for advertising purposes. For teenagers, it allows them to earn extra cash and a feeling that they are contributing to shaping the advertising campaigns of enterprises.
Is Passive App Legit?
YESSS!
Passive App is legit and is recognized for safe use by the following:
- Avast
- Kaspersky
- McAfee
- Microsoft Defender
Where is Passive App Available?
Passive App is available to download on Windows. The app has positive reviews from individuals who are actively looking for ways to earn
Types of Earnings
You can earn cash through Passive App. The amount will be transferred to your PayPal account. Passive App has a minimum threshold limit of $5 which is the industry standard.
How Much Can You Earn with Passive App
You can earn up to $55/month through Passive App without any investment. This amount can be directly withdrawn into your PayPal account.
Your earning potential depends on the following factors:
- Geolocation
- Residential IPs
- Network Connectivity
Why Passive App: Passive App works on a referral program. If you recommend Passive App to your friends and family members you can earn 10% of all their earnings. This would amount to a significant amount by the end of the month.
