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Get Paid to Review Books: 5 Book Review Jobs Sites That Pay Reviewers

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Writing book reviews is one of the best ways to get paid to read books online.

As a book reviewer, you’re tasked with reading and reviewing books, which in return can earn you a paycheck.

This blog post will show you five of the top-paying book review sites where you can submit your pitches and get hired for book review jobs.

To review books effectively, having a good education is important. EduBirdie can help you improve your skills and knowledge, making you better at reviewing books.

Book review jobs sites that pay reviewers

So, if you want to get paid to review books online , here is a list of five websites that you can explore to find book review jobs:

1) The US Review of Books

The US Review of Books has fair terms for reviewers, and the pay is usually between $25 and $75. To be accepted you’ll need to submit your resume, samples, and references. You’ll also be asked to do a sample review.

The site doesn’t have tough guidelines, the reviews can be half summary, half commentary. Most of the reviews requested will be around 300 words and you can expect to earn $25 for each. For longer reviews that are around $600 the pay can be as high as $75

The first review you will do will be treated as an application and you are compensated nonetheless, whether you’re hired eventually or not.

The pay might not seem much especially when you factor in the hours it will take you to read a book. However, if you are a faster reader, you can easily lock in $250-$750 doing 10 reviews a month.

Another added benefit of writing reviews for The US Review of Books is that you will be listed in its directory of reviewers that you can use as social proof and also get a backlink to your site.

The site pays via PayPal. US Review of Books encourages readers and authors alike to visit their website.

2) Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews isn’t transparent with their rates but some people claim that it’s usually $50 per review.

The media company has been in existence since 1933, so it is a legitimate company. That said, the reviews from Glassdoor seem to suggest that the editors will ask you to change your review if it’s negative, thus interfering with your work ethics as a book reviewer.

The reviews are around 350 words long with 2 weeks turnaround time. If you still want to apply, simply head over to this page and contact an editor.

3) OnlineBookClub

Though a popular book review website, many people do not recommend OnlineBookClub because of its tough and demanding guidelines with extremely low pay.

While they claim to pay up to $60 per review, most reviewers earn their lowest rates, which is actually $5 per review.

Reviews are easily rejected and can affect your review score. When you join, your score will be below 35, meaning that you will be bagging home $0 per review as they only begin to pay beyond the 35-point mark.

There are no clear guidelines on improving your score apart from the fact that you will have to engage in a forum and give shoutouts on social media. The editors aren’t as responsive either.

4) Booklist Publications

Booklist Publications is a book review website whose pay is not as appealing. Booklist pays $15 per review and only upon publication. This means that even if your review is accepted, you might have to wait a while

For published reviews, you will get one line credit and you can also be listed as a reviewer on their directory page.

To get started, you will need to fill in an application form answering basic questions and if you are fit the team will get back to you.

5) Women’s Review of Books

Women’s Review of Books is a publication of Wellesley Centers for Women, a part of Wellesley College, and reportedly pays $100 per review.

The publication specifically reviews books about women or written by women.

They expect their reviewers to have journalistic, academic, or strong book review backgrounds.

So if you believe that you can develop thought-provoking reviews you can start pitching your idea to them.

They pay on a review basis. To get started, send in a review pitch proposal about the book you want to review, its publication date, and your angle to the editors. You can find contact details on this page.

You will be paid upon review publication and you also get 12 months of subscription to their monthly issues.

You can also find more writing guidelines in this document . Make sure you adhere to them when writing the reviews.

Ready to begin your book reviewer job?

Book reviewing is a lucrative yet demanding career.

However, if it’s something you love doing and have a passion for writing, then book reviewing can be another source of income for you.

If this isn’t the case, I would advise you to look for other ways to earn money online such as freelance services, info products, or affiliate marketing.

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• July 14, 2024

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I am a published author of 8 books, all traditionally published. I am look for work as a book reviewee

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Get Paid to Read and Review Books from Home

Author: Courtney Stich

July 28, 2019 7 Comments

How would you like to get paid to read books and share your opinion of them? If you have a love for reading, then a paid book reviewer job is the perfect work-at-home opportunity for you!

Whether you’re sitting on the couch in your jammies or beachside in your bathing suit, you can cozy up with a cup of tea (or whatever you would like in your cup) and start reading because you’re getting paid!

Not sure where to start? No worries, we’ve covered that one for you as well.

Below we outline seven of the best opportunities out there for scoring that book reviewing job you’ve always wanted.

What is it like to be a Book Reviewer?

A book reviewer gets paid (sometimes in the form of free books) for writing their honest opinion of a book after reading it. The length and style of a review are highly dependent upon the reviewing company for which you’ll work.

Remember, an honest review isn’t necessarily a positive review! The companies we’ve listed below pay in cash for their reviews.

Every company will have its own set of expectations when it comes to completing book reviews. You’ll find that some companies have stricter guidelines than others, but for the most part, many of the companies listed are seeking similar things in their book reviewers.

Related content: How and Where to Sell Books for Cash

What do I need to know to become a book reviewer?

For the most part, you’ll find that there isn’t a lengthy list of requirements for becoming a book reviewer. Some companies request samples of your work, while others are happy to have you join their team by simply submitting your resume and answering a few questions. Either way, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to become a successful book reviewer:

If it’s been a year since you last read a book, you might want to pass on this opportunity. You should have a love of reading or at the bare minimum, a good knack for it!

• Read the entire book before giving your review. Book review companies are going to want more than “This book was great!” or “The book was boring.” Many companies are looking for evidence within the review, which will mean that you will need to read the book from front to back.
• Always give your honest opinion. Many of these companies are not looking for a review that falls “in the middle” but rather a report that is concise in its opinion (i.e., the book is worth reading for its intended audience, or it’s not).
• Consider the audience. Ask yourself, “who is most likely to read this book?” Are they children? Teens? Parents or teachers? Then ask if the book is geared toward the intended audience. Is this book appropriately written for its intended audience?

With this background info, you’re now more than ready to dive into the world of reviewing books!

Check out these fantastic companies below for some great work-at-home job opportunities as a paid book reviewer:

1. Any Subject Books

While Any Subject Books isn’t currently accepting book reviewers, jobs do become available with some frequency, so check back later.

Here’s more information regarding working for this company as a book reviewer:

Any Subject Books is fitting for those who may or may not have some book reviewing experience. Details you might want to know ahead of time with Any Subject Books are:

• Commitment is a book-by-book basis
• Pay is per specific book reviewed

2. Book List

This company is actively seeking reviewers. To join their book reviewers, you’ll need to:

• Subscribe to their free trial to familiarize yourself with their publications and writing style
• Contact the specific editor for whom you would like to write (a complete list is on the Book List site)

3. Book Browse

To become a book reviewer on Book Browse, you’ll need to have some prior experience as they request at least two samples of work with their application.

As a reviewer, you will write roughly one review per month, will receive a byline and “modest” payment. Book Browse has a quick online application form, which makes the process even easier!

4. Kirkus Book Reviewers

Kirkus is currently seeking experienced reviewers of English and Spanish-language titles. Here are a few more specifics:

• This reviewer position would be for Kirkus Indie magazine’s section dedicated to self-publishing authors
• Reviews are in the same format as other sections of Kirkus Reviews and are held to the same high standards
• Reviews are about 350 words, and as a book reviewer, you’ll have two weeks after the book is assigned to complete the review
• Reviews cover all types of genres, books of all lengths, and in any media (digital, hardcover, and paperback)

To apply, submit your resume, writing samples, and preferred reviewing specialties to Kirkus Indie Editor David Rapp at  [email protected] or visit the link above.

5. US Review of Books

US Review of Books is actively seeking book reviewers. They generally ask their reviews to be 250-300 words. Payments are made monthly and cover the prior month’s completed book reviews. To apply as a US Review of Books reviewer, you’ll need to contact the editor with:

• Your resume
• Sample work
• Two or more professional references

Finding their application and submission guidelines can be tricky! Here’s how you can find their instructions for becoming a book reviewer a little faster:

• On their main site: Click on the upper right-hand tab that reads “Connect.”
• Within the first paragraph, you’ll find “How to write for US Review of Books.” Follow the link to get all of the information you need to be considered as a book reviewer!

6. Astronomy

To apply to write book reviews for Astronomy, you’ll need to write an inquiry letter. Within the letter you should include:

• Why you think the book should be reviewed
• What (if anything) you know about the author or editor
• What your qualifications are for writing the review

This company also offers a web-based application process.

7. FlexJobs

Job boards such as FlexJobs are another great option for seeking out book review jobs or any remote work. While book review jobs on these sites fluctuate, it’s always a good idea to check in with a job board such as FlexJobs as positions do become available.

If you enjoy reading and love sharing your opinion, a job as a book reviewer is the perfect fit for you! While many of these sites pay modestly, you can always consider reviewing for more than one site and cashing in a bit more on what you love to do!

Another option is finding a book reviewer job that offers more than just a freelancing contract. Seeking out positions on job boards such as FlexJobs will ensure you can still work from home while making money doing something you love! You can also choose to start your own blog reading books and dishing up reviews, all while earning money through advertising and affiliate programs.

Do you have experience as a book reviewer? Want to learn more? Have questions or comments? Drop us a line below! We would love to hear from you!

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About the Author

Courtney Stich

Courtney Stich is a prior educator turned blogger and home-based business owner! Founder of C-Side Creatives , Courtney helps entrepreneurs with Pinterest marketing and content writing. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Technology and Design. Courtney is a mama to three beautiful kiddos and a wife to one amazingly supportive, loving hubby. She loves everything about being seaside, most things chocolate, and a vase (or five), filled with sunflowers.

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Reader Interactions

March 13, 2022 at 2:41 pm

I have no experience reviewing books but am an AVID reader. My favorite authors are Tom Clancy (now Marc Cameron). John Grisham, James Patterson, David Baldacci, Michael Connolly, Susan Grafton. Brad Thor and some light romance mystery I plan on working from home within the month and this type of job appeals to me, rather than Customer Service or Data Entry or clerical which I have done for years. Thank you for your consideration.

March 14, 2022 at 7:34 am

The Work at Home Woman is not a hiring agency; we’re a resource for job leads, ideas, and information. You’ll need to go to each company’s website to apply.

September 6, 2019 at 6:23 pm

I definitely need this. I just lost two part time jobs because of medical problems and I’m a single mom. Working from home is what I need!

September 8, 2019 at 6:19 pm

Good luck, Vanessa!

September 20, 2019 at 4:50 pm

Totally get, Vanessa! You’re absolutely in the RIGHT place!! Let us know how it goes!

August 3, 2019 at 11:28 pm

I am interested in this offer.

August 9, 2019 at 7:12 pm

Hello, Christina! Thanks for stopping by! Are you referring to learning more about book reviews or recieving awesome weekly updates on work at home positions (side note: this is one of my FAVORITE weekly emails…it’s got soo many great positions and info!) Let me know and I would be happy to help you out!

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Blog – Posted on Wednesday, Mar 27

How to become a book reviewer in 12 steps.

Most book critics have a pretty thankless job. If they give a bad review, they’re often accused of sour grapes (“If they could write, then they wouldn’t be reviewers”) and when their write-ups help a book to take off, they almost never get the credit (“the author’s talent sold the book, not the review”).  Yet literary criticism is an essential driver in the book-world — now more than ever in our age of online purchases and algorithmic curation. Which means there’s no time like the present to learn how to become a book reviewer .

In this post, we’ll look at the value of book criticism and show you how to become a book reviewer with our 12-step plan.

Why is book criticism important?

By conservative estimates, over 600,000 books are published each year in the US alone. Even the most voracious reader could only read a tiny fraction of those titles. Without literary criticism, the only thing to determine which books receive exposure would be the marketing teams of Big 5 publishers who would — dollars to donuts — always choose the titles they think will sell the most copies.

In the film Ratatouille , the fearsome food critic Anton Ego has something of an epiphany in the final reel: “There are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new.” In many ways, that is the reason why literary journals, newspaper book reviews, online review blogs, and Amazon user reviews exist: all of these play an important role in championing new authors and new ideas.

As we’ll discover in the next section, the book critic’s job is not just to serve as an arbiter of taste, lording their influence over authors. When they’re doing their job right, they’re serving as a shepherd, not just for readers but for writers as well.

Why would you want to become a book reviewer?

Before we get into the topic of what a critic personally gets out of reviewing books, let’s expand a bit on the role they play.

First (and arguably foremost), a critic’s job is to guide readers . They need to present a book to the reader in a way that gives a flavor of what it’s like: they might choose direct quotes, isolate individual sections — whatever it takes to help the reader to form their own impression of the title.

The reviewer should also be well-read, so they can not only provide a personal reaction to the book, but justify that opinion as well. In an age of online ‘reaction videos’ where novices offer their knee-jerk opinions of music, films, and books they’re not familiar with, the critic should ideally provide a more rounded, informed account. They should be able to put a book into context, comparing and contrasting the author’s approach based on what works have come before it.

Some may see this as an elitist approach, but surely we read reviews because we’re interested in what the critic knows — not what they don’t know. Not to mention that authors hoping for reviews will appreciate a well-informed reviewer!

Book reviewers also have an influential platform . Whether they’re writing product reviews for an online retailer or penning 1,200 words for The New York Times , they can use their soapbox to shine a light on new authors. If we want to get lofty about it, you could say that it’s a critic’s responsibility to seek out and champion new talent: give them exposure that they wouldn’t get if we were to leave it to the marketing team at HarperCollins, for example.

In this next section, we’ll show you how you can get involved in the world of literary criticism and become a book reviewer.

How to become a book reviewer in 12 steps

If you're looking to become a professional book reviewer and reach a growing audience, you could do a lot worse than to follow these twelve steps.

Step 1. Read abundantly

If you don’t already read like a maniac , then one might wonder why you’d want to become a book reviewer in the first place. Reading certainly won’t get any more enjoyable when you’re faced with a deadline. Plus, as we mentioned before, one of the best things you can bring to the table as a reviewer is your understanding of the history and landscape of the genre. When you’re reviewing a new horror book set in small-town New England, you should be, at the very least, well-versed in Stephen King books.

While you're at it, read other book reviews as well. You might as well learn from the best!

Step 2. Start reviewing books for free (or for money!)

Guess what? You can become a book reviewer today! You just need to log into your account at an online book retailer and drop a review of a book you’ve enjoyed. You can even write quality commentary with the help of our book review templates .

Okay, this article’s done now. Turns out, we only needed two steps. Roll credits.

All joking aside, reviewing books on retail sites is not a bad place to start. It gives you an opportunity to exercise your reviewing muscles and have your write-ups seen and enjoyed by folks browsing for their next big read. You can get feedback on your review (“20 people found this helpful”) and even contribute to the success of a book you like.

Once you feel confident in your skills (and are ready to take the next step), you can look at some of the online platforms which are always on the lookout for reviewers.

One of the most difficult parts of being a first-time author (especially a self-publishing one) is getting editorial reviews in time for the release of their book. If you look at the product description of a book’s Amazon page, you’ll often see that they include an extract from a review. If it’s a prominent release, the review may be from a national broadsheet; if it’s a smaller release, it may be from a smaller online reviewer. A few services specialize in providing authors with paid editorial reviews, which naturally requires reviewers. Some of the services will even pay them for their reviews (with some significant strings attached).

So which review platforms should you consider?

Some of the best-known review services include Kirkus, The U.S. Review of Books, Online Book Club, and Publisher’s Weekly — all of which offer a small honorarium in exchange for reviews. The review copies of the book are free (ideal!) but almost all of these services will give the reviewer no exposure (not ideal — especially if you’re looking to build your own profile as a reviewer).

The team here at Reedsy recently launched Reedsy Discovery as an alternative to these services. The reviewers on the platform have to submit examples of their writing for quality control, but once accepted, they can access and review a massive pool of upcoming indie books from their chosen genre.

The edge that Discovery offers reviewers is visibility . Each reviewer has a bespoke landing page where all their reviews can be found, along with a bio, headshot, and newsfeed. Readers who like what any given reviewer has written can choose to “follow” them and receive alerts about new reviews. Overall, Reedsy Discovery aims to give critics a platform (and the social networking tools) to build their personal profile and readership, two things that will come in handy as your reviewing career progresses.

To register as a reviewer on Reedsy Discovery, click here .

Between these options, you should have a few places where you can start writing reviews almost immediately! If you'd like to double-check, we recommend taking this quick quiz to find out which review community is the right fit for you:

Which review community should you join?

Find out which review community is best for your style. Takes 30 seconds!

And then, before you take a step into the big leagues, let’s cover some best practices.

Step 3. Always follow guidelines

Following guidelines is a good reviewing habit to develop early on — it will save you from a lot of rejection and rewrites. Sites like Kirkus are notorious for requiring an exact format for each review, while Reedsy Discovery and a few of the other sites allow a bit more freedom.

As you start to work with editorial staff, this ability to stick to guidelines will help you with your reputation as someone whose reviews don’t require an immense amount of feedback and editing — something that time-strapped editors appreciate.

Step 4. Always think of the reader first

In your life as a reviewer, you will almost always have a choice of which books to write about. So if a book has been utterly terrible, you can always choose not to write about it at all. Instead, find another title that might actually deserve getting the push that your review can provide. Look for books that sound intriguing; then if you love it, find a way to convince your readers that they might love it too.

Step 5. Host all your reviews in one place

Any freelance writer (such as a reviewer) these days needs to have a strong online presence. If you’re looking to build your portfolio and profile, you need to keep most of your work in one location .

This might mean starting your own website or maybe a Tumblr page ( maybe ) as an easy, low-cost alternative. Reedsy Discovery effectively gives reviewers a homepage where all their reviews can be found (okay, the last mention of Reedsy Discovery for a while, we promise!).

Essentially, you just want to be able to send anyone a single URL where they can browse through your back-catalog of work. This will come in extra handy if you’re ever applying to a high-profile reviewing (or any other type of writing) job: your whole portfolio will be in one convenient place to impress employers.

Step 6. Become a specialist

It can be hard to sell yourself as a jack of all trades. If you tell an editor that you are the right person to review ‘anything’, chances are they’ll think you’re deluded.

Instead, focus on a few genres that you know intimately. Through your work, you want editors to know you as the go-to person for certain genres — so when a conspiracy thriller or what have you crosses their desk, they’ll know exactly who to assign it to (you).

Once you know your specialty, make sure you’re familiar with trends in that category, and review a lot of titles in those genres. When it comes to pitching to review the next big book in that niche, you’ll be able to point to your past work as why you’re uniquely qualified to take that job.

So now that we’ve built you a reputation, a small following, and a massive body of work, you may want to take the next logical step: writing a review for a paper or a big online outlet. To do this, you’ll need to get yourself on the radar of some editors.

Step 7. Put together a packet of your best reviews

If the editors of a magazine or paper have never heard of you, then your work is going to have to knock their socks off. The prime way to do this is to assemble a packet of your best work . Yes, you should already have your full portfolio in one place — but this will be a “greatest hits” compilation of sorts, so editors can see your maximum potential.

Perhaps choose a mix of recognizable, traditionally published titles and indie books, so they know you have a wide range. Then, as you start getting published in more prestigious publications, begin working those reviews into your pack, and continue the cycle as you write more and more. After all, it’s much easier to get published if you can show that you’ve already been published.

Step 8. Join an association

Being part of a community is an important element of entering any profession. And book reviewing is no different! If you’re based in the US, check out the National Book Critic’s Circle : membership currently costs $50 a year for freelancers and it gives you access to a bunch of great resources and access to its Emerging Critics Fellowship.

Step 9. Find out upcoming releases

Once you know what books are coming up, you can start creating a shortlist of books you want (and are suited) to review.

Step 10. Start small-ish

Even if you’re a freakishly prodigious writer, chances are you won’t be able to make the jump straight to The New York Review of Books . Instead, look for more modest opportunities at smaller local papers, online magazines, and certain literary journals . As you research, make yourself a “hit list” of possible review outlets, figure out which upcoming books might be suited to those outlets, and start pitching.

Step 11. Pitch reviews effectively

First of all, always make sure that you’re contacting the right person at a magazine or newspaper. Don’t send your pitch to the city editor or the sports desk — word will get out that you don’t know how to do basic research.

It’s also good to bear in mind that you’re not pitching the idea of a review: you want to pitch the story your review might tell . The editor might not have considered running a review of the book you’re putting forward, so you have to sell them on the idea: why should they print a review of that book? Is it newsworthy (e.g. does it cover a topic in the current zeitgeist, or that is about to have a major anniversary)? Is it the latest book in a category that’s about to explode?

Once you’ve convinced an editor that the book you’ve proposed is worth reviewing, you’ll also have to make a case for why you should be the one to do it. Of course, you’ll want to link to your review samples to prove that you can write and that you’re well-versed in the genre. This should demonstrate your understanding and passion for that type of book and prove that you’re the ideal candidate.

To see what that might look like, check out this post from writer Erika Dreyfus. She provides an example where she mentioned how her grandfather was a businessman in post-WWI Germany as part of her successful pitch to review a new memoir set in that era.

Also, don’t pitch too late. Magazines will assign reviews weeks (if not months) in advance, so get your pitch in there early.

Step 12. Always follow up politely

Some people call this “hustling,” but in truth, it’s basic common sense. Wherever there is a submissions process, you can bet that there’s some poor soul who has to go through hundreds of emails. Naturally, emails will get lost in the pile and forgotten. If you don’t receive a reply from an outlet after two weeks, drop them a short polite reminder .

And if the answer is “no thank you,” then be gracious. Just because they don’t want you to review this book for them today, doesn’t mean they won’t be interested in something down the line. Who knows: after a few pitches, they might remember you as the “reviewer who’s big on Civil War fiction” and think of you the next time something appropriate turns up. So make a good impression and leave things on a positive note.

Keep plugging away, never stop reading, and always review with an eye to championing new talent and broadening readers’ horizons. You’ll eventually get a lucky break — and when that happens, you’ll be ready to seize the opportunity!

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Make Extra Money with Book Review Jobs

June 6, 2024

Reading books is one of my favorite pastimes, and until recently, I didn’t realize that you could get paid to read books. My fellow book-lovers, the companies on this list will pay you to read books and then write your honest review on them. Check out these book review jobs! I have also included a few tips on how to write better reviews.

Book Review Writing Tips

When reviewing a book, you have to do more than explain what you did or didn’t like. You must consider a number of elements, including plot, characters, setting, and climax. No matter what type of story you plan to review, you must assess how well those elements work together and move the story along. As you read the book, you might want to take notes or highlight sections to help make it easier for you when you are writing your review.

When writing the review, it is okay to include constructive criticism. However, you should remember that many of these review sites will want you to add something positive in your review. The review should be unbiased and talk about the characters, plots, and themes of the story and how well you think the author conveyed them. While you can state your opinion on the book, you should always offer a few specific reasons for your opinion.

As you write your review, you should also think about the audience that the review site is targeting. Some sites are geared toward children, women, or a specific industry. Make sure your writing style fits your target audience.

Where to Find Book Review Jobs

To become a book reviewer, you don’t necessarily have to start your own blog . Though some bloggers offer sponsored book reviews , there are some legitimate companies out there that will pay you to read a book and write a review on their platform.

If you can read a book within two or three weeks and can intelligently write your thoughts on the publication, then book reviewing might be right for you. Here are a few legitimate ways to extra money with book review jobs.

Note: These companies are not always looking for book reviewers. If they are not contracting new people at this time, check back later.

Also See: 8 At-Home Jobs for Book Lovers

1. Any Subject Books

Any Subject Books is a publishing company that pays you money for each book you write a review. To get started, you first must apply as a book reviewer. Once accepted, the company will send you different pieces of literature to review. You can choose which ones you want to write a review for on a case-by-case basis.

Once you do commit to reading the book, you must turn in a thoughtful, analytical review. Your pay varies based on the length of the book. According to Any Subject Books, you are required to give your honest review unless you feel like you cannot say anything positive about the book. If that is the case, then the review might be halted, and the author will decide if they want to continue working with you.

Any Subject Books does not require you to make a long-term commitment; instead, you commit to reading one book at a time. The time limit that you have to read the book is agreed upon when the book contract is sent out.

Any Subject Books isn’t always hiring for book reviewers, so check out their website to see if they are filling positions at this time.

Also See: How to Get Paid to Narrate Audiobooks

2. Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Media is looking for book reviewers who can read and review literature of all lengths and genres. Requested book reviews might be in English or Spanish. Typically, the reviews are approximately 350 words long and must meet the high standards of Kirkus Reviews. Therefore, you must give a thorough review of each book, and be able to talk in-depth about what you like and didn’t like about certain books.

To apply, you must submit a resume, writing samples, and a list of reviewing specialties. According to reviews on Glassdoor, Kirkus Reviews has plenty of projects and pays promptly, plus they provide the book for free.

Occasionally, Kirkus Media will also hire copy editors and editors , so if you prove yourself as a competent book reviewer, you might have a good chance of moving over to another position within the company.

3. Online Book Club

Online Book Club is another company that is hiring freelance book reviewers. They clearly state on their website that they aren’t looking for positive reviews, just honest reviews. If you don’t like the book, it is okay to say that and explain why.

According to the Online Book Club, reviewers are paid between $5 and $60 for book reviews, depending on the length of the book. However, all books you are sent to review are free of charge.

The most important thing to note is that the first review you do with Online Book Club is unpaid. This helps them to filter out their reviewers and decide if they are the right candidate for the job. After this first initial review, all subsequent reviews are paying gigs.

Also See: I Signed Up to Review Books at Online Book Club

4. US Review of Books

The US Review of Books often hires book reviewers. To apply, simply send in your resume as well as samples of your previous reviews and two professional references.

When your application is approved, you can begin writing reviews on the site. There are a variety of genres you can pick from to review. Once you select the type of books you want to review, then the book titles will be assigned based on how well the project fits within your skill set.

You typically have two to three weeks to complete each book review, and each honest review should be between 250 and 300 words in length. The pay for each review isn’t listed, but the site does state that reviewers are paid on the fifth of every month. The books are provided to you for free.

Reviews on Glassdoor of US Review of Books are positive, with many people commenting on the competitive pay rates, the opportunity for raises, and the constructive feedback on their work.

Also See: How to Sell Used Books for Extra Cash

5. Women’s Review of Books

As you might guess by the site’s name, Women’s Review of Books is geared towards reviews of publications written by or about women. This website was founded by Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College.

To become a book reviewer, you should have experience as a reviewer, journalist, or in academics. You must email the Women’s Review of Books with one paragraph about your credentials, a line about the genre you would like to focus on (i.e., nonfiction, poetry, mystery, etc.), and a sample of your already-published review. If your email does not contain all three elements, then you will not be considered for the position.

For each completed review, you will receive $100. This pay rate is higher than the average site, so you can assume that Women’s Review of Books demands a higher caliber review of books.

6. Astronomy

Astronomy commissions reviews from people who wish to write one of a book they recently read. Before you pitch Astronomy, you must reach out to the editor of the publication to make sure it is okay to do a review of the book. To be considered, you must complete a form or mail your inquiry letter that states why you think the book should be reviewed, what you know about the author or editor, and what your qualifications are for writing this particular review.

No specific pay rate is published on the Astronomy website.

For those who want to take their passion for books a step further, there are many other different ways you can get paid to read books . Some of these options include copy editing, narrating, editing, and more. For those who love to read, there are plenty of options to start getting paid to read books.

Also See: How To Make Money Writing Reviews for Amazon

How Much Do Book Reviewers Get Paid

Book reviewers can earn money by writing reviews for various platforms, although the pay rates are generally modest. Online Book Club pays between $5 and $60 per review, while Booklist Online offers $15 for a 175-word review but charges a $5 fee for rejected submissions. Kirkus Media and Publisher’s Weekly provide free books and pay an unspecified honorarium per review, which is typically around 200 words. BookBrowse and The U.S. Review of Books also offer modest payments, while Writerful Books pays $10 to $50 per review, depending on detail, with a chance for a $100 Amazon gift card for top reviewers.

Longer, more detailed reviews tend to pay better, and many platforms provide free books in addition to payment. Full-time reviewers writing 4-5 reviews per week could potentially earn $250-$300 per week. However, most of these opportunities are more geared towards supplemental income for avid readers rather than full-time work.

About Angie Nelson

Angie Nelson began working from home in 2007 when she figured out how to take her future into her own hands and escape the corporate cubicle farm. Angie’s goal is sharing her passion for home business, personal finance, telecommuting, and entrepreneurship, and her work has been featured on Recruiter, FlexJobs and Business News Daily.

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Where to Find Real Book Reviewer Jobs

So, you already do tons of reading. Why not get paid for sharing your thoughts on it, and even get the subject books for free?

It probably sounds like a fantasy. 

But, thankfully, there are numerous paid book review jobs that you can do from the comfort of your own home.

Besides getting paid for your opinion, the only other difference review jobs have from your regular reading is a timeline — most employers will provide a few weeks to complete the book. 

Though, this is a good thing; you get to spend more time doing what you love.   

Let’s get right into the sources of these awesome jobs.  

6 Places You Can Make Money Reviewing Books

1: online book club.

Online Book Club is a free reading website that’s been around for over 10 years. It pays its reviewers in cash. 

For the first review, you only get a free book and no cash payment. The company will use this to assess your capabilities as a books reviewer. It qualifies you for the paid review opportunities.

The pay ranges from $5 to $60 per review, and is made through PayPal. The exact payment will depend on factors like the length of the book. Plus, you get to keep what you read. 

The review does not have to be positive — only honest. It should come to at least 400 words, or 300 words for Children’s books.

When working on a review, you are required to:

• Confirm whether you have successfully downloaded the book within an hour of accepting to do the review. 
• Mark the book as read within 14 days of confirming you have downloaded it.
• Submit the review seven days after reading the book. 

You can become a member for free — get started by signing up on the Online Book Club website. You will then get access to the review team page.

2: Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media is a reputable review magazine, and it’s one of the best places to get review jobs that pay in cash. There are plenty of jobs that are posted all year round on the career page .

Each review is around 350 words and should be detailed. They’re due two weeks after the book has been assigned.

The subject books are free and come in different lengths, genres, and languages. They can be in digital, hardcover, or paperback format.

Kirkus media does not mention how much it pays, but book reviewers who have worked with the company claim — according to the reviews left on Glassdoor — that it pays more than most review publications . You will also get paid on time.   

For consideration as a reviewer, you will need to submit the following to the email provided:

• Writing samples
• A list of your reviewing specialties

3: Women’s Review of Books

Here’s a special one for the ladies — Women’s Review of Books . 

It’s a publication that specifically reviews books about women or that were written by women. Women’s Review of Books is based in “ Wellesley Centers for Women ” at Wellesley College.

You have to be exceptionally good to land a job with the Women’s Review of Books — the publication expects its reviewers to have experience as a journalist, academic, or a strong background as a reviewer.

They expect thought-provoking reviews that appeal to a broad audience. The number of words and timeline is provided when the review is assigned, but it is usually 1500 words.

Payment is made upon publication of the review.

Make your application by sending the following to the editor :

• Your resume
• The genre you would like to focus on

You can also pitch a review of a forthcoming book through the contact provided on the website.

4: The US Review of Books

Another place that you may get regular and paying review jobs at is the U.S. Review of Books . This website seeks to connect authors from different genres with professional book reviewers, like you.

The reviews should be 250 to 300 words, insightful, factual, and unemotional. They should be written according to the guidelines provided by the US Review of Books. 

The timeline provided for each review is 2 to 3 weeks.

You may get hired as a freelance reviewer by sending an e-mail to the editor using the address provided on the website . 

It should include:

• Two professional references
• Samples of your best work

If hired, you get to choose your preferred book titles from the list of books published on the website. Then, you’ll get assignments based on your preferences and qualifications.

The payment amount is not specified. According to reviews on Glassdoor, it is competitive with frequent raises . 

Payment is on the 5 th day of every month, and this is usually compensation for the reviews completed in the previous month. 

5: Booklist Online

Booklist Online is a review magazine by the American Library Association that helps librarians select the best books. It publishes about 8,000 book reviews per year.

The magazine outsources some of the work to freelance reviewers.   

The limit for each review is 175 words, but book reviewers may extend up to 225 words for exceptionally good books. 

The reviews must stick to the magazine’s writing style and provided guidelines.

Booklist Online pays $15 for each approved review. But even if it’s rejected, the magazine will still appreciate your effort with $5 per review.

You may become one of Booklist Online book reviewers by sending in your samples. Choose a category that you would prefer to work in and make your application to the editor .  

6: Freelancing Websites

Freelancing websites connect independent contractors with employers in need of book reviews.

These websites contain thousands of job listings for reviewers; a good example of a reputable freelancing website is Upwork .

Here are two examples of review jobs on the website:  

PeoplePerHour is another reputable freelancing website where you may find remote book review jobs. Here’s an example of a job opportunity on their website:

The pay varies across employers.

In the case of Upwork and PeoplePerHour, you will need to create an account on the website. You can then send a proposal to the employer, which should include the amount you will charge for the task.

There are commission fees that both Upwork and PeoplePerHour charge on freelancers’ earnings.

You can also try freelancing websites like Guru and Fiverr.

How Can You Make Some Extra Money as a Book Reviewer?

As you apply for these paying book review jobs, work on creating your own book review blog. It should focus on one genre where you’re the most well-read — such as music, children’s books, or others.

Here are three ways a book review blog will help you:

• It will establish you as an expert reviewer in a particular genre.
• You can use it to showcase your book reviewing skills to potential employers.
• You get to build relationships with authors and publishers, and they will help in reviewer job applications where professional references are needed.

In addition, you can earn from this blog through affiliate marketing . This is where you earn commissions by promoting other people’s products. In this case — books.

Get started by signing up with an affiliate program, such as:

• Book Depository

You will get an affiliate link from the program. Every time a user clicks on the link on your blog and makes a purchase, you get to earn a commission.    

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With this course, we will turn you into an expert in drawing traffic to your site. Plus, you’ll also learn how to keep your followers interested in your site using great content.  

Ready to Begin Your Book Reviewer Job?

You most certainly can earn a decent income from writing book reviews. But, like any other remote job, you have to learn the technical and behavioral skills needed to succeed.

This is where Small Revolution comes in.

We have created a resourceful online learning platform — it has a library of articles and courses that will make you a better reviewer and remote worker.

Begin with our comprehensive SEO copywriting course first. With it, apply SEO techniques to create an authoritative book review website in the niche of your choice. 

Then, you may use it to prove your book reviewing skills as you pitch potential employers. 

Katrina McKinnon

I'm Katrina McKinnon, the author behind Small Revolution . With two decades of hands-on experience in online work, running eCommerce stores, web agency and job boards, I'm now on a mission to empower you to work from home and achieve work-life balance. My passion lies in crafting insightful, education content. I have taught thousands of students and employees how to write, do SEO, manage eCommerce stores and work as Virtual Assistants. Join our most popular course: SEO Article Masterclass

6 things you could be doing wrong if you're struggling to get a job

• The labor market is softening, and it might be harder to get a job compared to the past.
• Business Insider talked to job experts about why applicants might struggle to get hired for a role.
• A poorly organized résumé or not learning about a company during interview prep could be issues.

If you're not hearing back after applying for jobs , you may need to make some changes to your résumé, interview prep, or search strategy.

A cooler labor market means it could be harder to find a job now than a couple of years ago. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows there were 1.2 job openings per unemployed person this past June compared to 1.5 job openings per unemployed person in June 2023.

"It's remaining steady, but it's definitely softer than it was several years back," Leanne Getz, vice president of tech staffing firm Experis's delivery channels, said about the labor market. "So, not surprising that applicants are having a little bit more of a challenge to identify opportunities."

Stacie Haller, the chief career advisor with ResumeBuilder.com , said she thinks "people aren't necessarily as prepared when they enter a job search today" because they may think the job market is the same as it was many years ago.

But for job seekers who are struggling, there are ways you can try to improve your odds. Below are some things that you may want to change if you aren't landing a job .

You are sending out way too many résumés

One issue could be you're sending out a bunch of résumés , including for jobs you don't even want or for jobs where you don't have the desired experience. Haller suggested having most of what an employer is looking for before applying to the role.

"I would prefer people to not send out 800 résumés just throwing spaghetti against the wall," Haller said. "That's when you hear from people, 'It's a horrible market, and I can't get a job.'"

Gabrielle Davis, a career trends expert at Indeed, told Business Insider people should first consider the things that matter to them in a job beyond a paycheck, such as the benefits and whether it's remote, instead of first applying to many roles.

"I think that when job seekers function from maybe a place of slight panic, they don't do that because they feel like, 'I just have to move fast because the market's moving fast. I have to get all the stuff in, and I'm just going to see what sticks,'" Davis said. "And that's not always really fruitful for them. So I think that it's better to take a much more intentional approach to the actual job search."

You are waiting too long to apply

OK, so you have decided to send out fewer résumés that are more focused on gigs you want. Now, don't wait too long to actually apply.

Related stories

Haller said job seekers should reply to a job posting within 24 hours "to at least have a shot to be in the mix."

Haller said people come to her and say, "'Oh, I saw a job posting that I'm interested in.' And they take days, if not a week, to reply."

She added, "By the time they send their résumé out, that company's probably on final interviews."

You might need to reconsider the contents or format of your résumé

Six seconds. That's how long Haller said job seekers have "to capture somebody's attention by your résumé or by your profile."

Formatting could be important to consider when putting together a résumé in hopes of successfully landing work.

"You need to know how to create and format a résumé that works in today's job search process," Haller said, adding this "means the formatting should be cleaned, standardized, and easy to read."

Getz said the résumé should also be similar to things noted on a candidate's online profile, like on LinkedIn. She also said résumés should be accurate and be in their own words.

"We're seeing candidates utilizing certain AI tools to generate the résumé, and it's fine to use it to help guide or give you suggestions, but you want to be careful about having something like ChatGPT design your whole résumé," Getz said. "It's easy for recruiters to pick up on that. It doesn't seem authentic."

You are not considering your connections

There's more that can be done than uploading a résumé to a job application. Haller said job seekers may want to see who they can contact at the company beforehand.

Haller said, "The last thing you want to do is dump your résumé into" an applicant tracking system "if you have another way to make contact inside that company."

Getz noted people could consider who they may know at the place they're hoping to get a job when they are applying.

"It is often about the network and who you know, but it also is sometimes just a game of numbers," Getz said. "There are so many applicants. You have to just keep applying, be consistent, be persistent, be patient."

You are not doing sufficient prep for an interview

If you get the good news that an employer is interested in interviewing you, it's probably best to prepare for the interview with some research.

Haller said people should know the company's mission, why they even want to work for the employer, and prepare questions to ask during the interview.

"I've interviewed people as a hiring manager with people who have no idea what the company does or why they're even interested in a job," Haller said. "That's a waste of everybody's time."

Some helpful hints of what to say during the interview are in the job posting itself.

"The job posting tells you exactly what they're looking for," Haller said. "That's where your prep starts. So if you know what they're looking for, you want to prepare as many examples that you can about what they might ask in reference to what they're looking for in the person they hire."

Getz also talked about being prepared and other basics of interviewing. Getz said to make "sure that you're dressed professional, that you've prepared, that you've done your research on the company that you're interviewing with, that you have strong questions to ask, that you're prepared to answer behavioral style questions."

Don't do an interview from a car and eliminate any background noise, Getz also advised. Getz emphasized the basics of doing an interview because "it could be one of those minor, little things that knock you out of consideration that could have been overcome by simply being prepared, dressed for the interview."

Davis suggested preparing a few main points that you want to reiterate in every interview round. "If you're speaking to maybe two or three people at a company, just because you've spoken to the same people at one company doesn't always mean that they are sharing exactly what you've spoken about to their colleagues," Davis said.

She added those main points can help show your prep, and she said, "Any sign of preparedness to an employer means, OK, this person is showing up. They're here. They're taking it seriously."

You aren't sending a thank-you note, or you're following up too much

Davis said a handwritten thank-you note could be good if you did an in-person interview. Even if it was not an in-person interview, Davis said sending a simple thank-you note on the same day could be good.

Davis said the note should thank the person for their time and include something personal from the interview to show you were listening.

"I think that really goes a long way," Davis said. "And after that, it's kind out of your hands, so waiting to hear back from the recruiter or hiring manager and then going from there."

Getz said "to be cautious about how often you're following up" because you're not the only job candidate a hiring manager is talking to. She said people don't want to overdo their reach out, and it should be professional.

How long did it take you to find a job, or how long have you been unemployed? Reach out to this reporter to share your experience at [email protected] .

Watch: "Don't run too fast" – the best advice Delta CMO Alicia Tillman received

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Every Night at Midnight | Literacy Worksheets & Activities | Book Week 2024

Subject: Literacy for early years

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

12 August 2024

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10+ no-prep, print-and-go resources packed with engaging literacy worksheets! Perfect for Years 2 to 4 (Australia).

Every night at midnight, Felix turns into a wolf. There’s no one else like him. Or is there? A tender and whimsical picture book about finding friendship in unexpected places.

**What’s included? **

comprehension (reading comprehension and response to text)

cloze passage

grammar (verbs and adjectival phrases)

writing templates (creative, informative, character traits, diary entry)

Venn diagram

book review

three pages of vocabulary flashcards (blanks included), so many uses!

find-a-word

This resource has NSW English syllabus outcomes clearly linked and answer sheets are included!

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

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