10 Websites That Will Pay You To Read in the UK 2024

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In this article, we uncover 10 legit websites that pay you to read in the UK 2024. These are great side hustle ideas for anyone who loves reading and wants to earn extra cash on the side of their full-time job.

Choosing a side hustle idea that you genuinely enjoy is a great way to stay motivated. In turn, this will lead to better outcomes.

We have searched the internet and hand-picked 10 websites that are suitable for anyone who likes to read.

Also read: 15 apps that pay you to walk in 2024

Before we dive into our top picks, here is a brief overview of the research process that we followed to create this article.

We reviewed 16 different websites that claim to pay readers in the UK. This list was narrowed down to the best options based on the following criteria:

• Rate of pay

• Ease of access

• Reading skill level required

• Work availability

To make sure that the information in the article is correct, we cross-checked our final selection with other reviews that we found online. Our team also read through user testimonials to make sure that each website is legitimate.

The following is a list of websites that will pay you to read in the UK.

It is important to note that the websites below have been selected by our team based on the criteria above. However, we cannot guarantee that you will make any money.

Nevertheless, getting paid to read is an excellent remote side hustle that offers flexibility and an enjoyable way to earn extra cash.

Also read: Best side hustles for writers

1. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media is a website that pays for book reviews. According to several sources, they pay around $50 for a 350 word review which is quite generous.

The platform requires reviews to be written within 2 weeks after the initial request. This gives you 2 weeks to read a whole book and write a great review.

To become a reviewer for the platform, you must email your resume and writing samples to Editor David Rapp at Drapp@kirkus.com.

2. Book Browse

Book Browse pays people to review books in a range of genres including young adult, romance, thriller, action, and more.

Similarly to Kirkus Media, you must send a writing example alongside an application form to the editing team. You can find the application form on the Book Browse website.

You don’t need any official experience to write for Book Browse however, the platform expects their reviewers to be experts in their chosen areas.

3. Online Book Club

Online Book Club is a book review website that pays between $5 and $60 per review.

We liked this platform because the barrier to entry is very low. You can sign up with just your email address and start writing reviews for the site straight away.

The first review that you write will be an unpaid trial. After that, you will be eligible for paid work. The best part about this site is that you can get sent books for free.

4. The US Review of Books

The US Review of Books is a site that is suitable for experienced reviews who want to make reading their full-time job.

Unlike the platforms that we have covered so far, The US Review of Books only accepts professional applicants. The website helps authors to promote their new books through online reviews, recommendations, and a weekly newsletter.

As a review, you will work with authors to promote their work in an unbiased and objective way. The website pays $75 for 600 word reviews.

5. Readsy

Reedsy is a popular book review website that allows readers to sign up to become reviewers.

The site works slightly differently from other options because authors can choose who to send submissions to. This means that you will be required to manage submissions and complete tasks as and when they are required.

Furthermore, Reedsy rewards reviewers with reader tips rather than a set fee. Readers can tip $1, $3 or $5 to reviewers if they enjoy their work.

Reedsy reviewers are sent books for free, which makes this a great weekend side hustle for keen readers who want to increase their book collection.

Looking to make some extra cash quickly? Read How to make money in one hour

6. Booklist

Booklist is a review site that is fairly easy to join in 2024. The website accepts applicants from the US and Canada and pays around $15 per review.

Anyone can apply to be a reviewer on Booklist. However, the site has strict writing guidelines that all reviewers must follow. You will receive payment once your review is published on the site.

7. Upwork

Upwork is a freelance platform that provides a huge range of side gigs that users can apply for. Many of these include reading jobs such as proofreading, editing, book reviewing and even narrating.

Anyone can sign up to Upwork for free and create a profile. To apply for jobs, you must submit a cover letter and examples of work. It also helps to create a portfolio on your account that showcases your skills.

If your application is successful, employers will contact you with further instructions.

Upwork prioritizes maintaining a safe and trusted space for freelancers. All payments are protected and communications between freelancers and employers are monitored.

Also read: How to sell your data for money

8. Fiverr

Fiverr is another freelance platform on which you can find a variety of reading jobs such as proofreading, narrating and book reviewing.

The main difference between Fiverr and Upwork is that on Fiverr, freelancers can set their own rates. This means that you can charge rates that suit your skill level and experience.

The main drawback here is that Fiverr is very competitive. There are already thousands of freelancers signed up who offer low-cost services.

To stand out, create a portfolio of your work and offer packages to encourage more sales.

9. ACX

ACX is a popular audiobook website that pays narrators to record themselves reading text.

Anyone can sign up to the platform and audition for jobs. However, there is no guarantee that you will be successful. Authors control who they choose to narrate their work so it helps to have good pronunciation and some acting skills.

If you are successful, ACX pays very generously. Narrators typically make between $200 and $400 per audio hour.

10. Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly is a book review platform that offers to pay readers $25 for each book review they submit. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing participants to easily submit their reviews and receive compensation swiftly.

To start earning, readers can sign up on the Publishers Weekly website, where they can select titles of interest from a list of available books. After reading the chosen book, users are required to craft a review based on specific guidelines and submit it through the platform. Upon review and approval, participants receive their payment promptly.

The above 10 sites are great options for people who want to start making money from reading fairly quickly. However, there are other (potentially more lucrative) options that you could consider.

Below, we take a look at some alternative ways to monetize your love for reading in 2024.

Also read: How to make money typing in 2024

Start a book blog

One of the most rewarding ways to monetize your love of reading is to start a reading blog. Blogs can be monetized through ads, affiliate links and sponsored content and can generate passive income over time.

As an avid reader, you could publish book reviews, listicles, or in-depth literature analysis to your audience and earn money by including affiliate links to the books that you discuss.

Blogging can be very lucrative over time however, it can take a while to build up enough traffic to monetize. At first, you could use your blog as a passion project to build an audience and share your love of reading.

Most successful blogs need 6-9 months of consistent posting to start seeing organic traffic from the search engines. If you manage to stay consistent, the rewards can be very lucrative.

Best blogging platforms for readers:

• Squarespace

• Wordpress

• Medium

Become a fact-checker

Another way that you could get paid to read in the UK is to become a fact checker. This job involves reading books, essays, and reports to check that information is factually correct.

To be successful in this job, you will need a good breadth of knowledge in the niche that you choose to specialize in as well as the ability to meticulously analyse text.

As a fact-checker. It will be your responsibility to ensure that published texts are accurate. A lot of fact checkers work freelance but it is also possible to find full-time roles.

Best platforms to find fact-checking work:

• Upwork

• Fiverr

Conclusion

The availability of websites that pay individuals to read offers a promising opportunity to generate additional income. While these platforms can serve as valuable side hustles, it's important to manage expectations as few readers are able to secure a full-time salary from these ventures.

Instead, individuals are encouraged to approach these opportunities as supplemental sources of income that can contribute to a diversified financial portfolio. By leveraging multiple avenues for generating revenue, individuals can effectively bolster their financial security and potentially expand their earning potential.

As with any beginner side hustle, success largely depends on dedication, strategic time management, and a proactive approach in exploring various income-generating opportunities.