How to Become a Book Reviewer and Get Paid – 30 Best Legit Websites

Becoming a book reviewer is not just a dream job for avid readers; it’s also a way to earn a steady income while doing something you love. With numerous websites offering opportunities to review books and get paid, you can turn your passion for reading into a profitable side hustle or even a full-time career. In this guide, we will explore How to Become a Book Reviewer and Get Paid and introduce you to 30 of the best legitimate websites where you can get paid for your book reviews.

How to Become a Book Reviewer and Get Paid

How to Get Started

1. Develop Your Reviewing Skills: Start by reading various genres and practicing writing detailed and engaging reviews. Your reviews should include summaries, critiques, and personal opinions about the book.
2. Build a Portfolio: Create a blog or use platforms like Medium to publish your reviews. This portfolio will showcase your writing style and help you attract potential clients or platforms.
3. Understand the Market: Research different types of book reviewing jobs and understand what types of reviews are most sought after.
4. Join Online Communities: Engage with other book reviewers and authors in online forums and social media groups to gain insights and build connections.

Top 30 Legit Websites to Get Paid for Book Reviews

1. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media offers book review services and pays reviewers to provide in-depth critiques for a range of genres.

• How to Start: Apply through the Kirkus Media website. You’ll need to submit a sample review and pass their evaluation process.
• Earnings: $50–$100 per review.
• Best For: Professional book reviews and high pay rates.

2. Bookish

Bookish is a popular platform that hires freelance book reviewers to write reviews for their site.

• How to Start: Visit the Bookish website and apply for freelance opportunities. Provide writing samples and complete the application process.
• Earnings: $25–$75 per review.
• Best For: Freelance book review positions with flexible schedules.

3. Publishers Weekly

Publishers Weekly offers opportunities for freelance book reviewers to contribute to their renowned publication.

• How to Start: Check the Publishers Weekly website for review submission guidelines and apply with your writing samples.
• Earnings: $50–$100 per review.
• Best For: Established publication reviews and higher exposure.

4. Reedsy Discovery

Reedsy Discovery connects book reviewers with authors looking for honest reviews to help promote their work.

• How to Start: Sign up as a reviewer on the Reedsy Discovery website and start accepting review requests.
• Earnings: $10–$50 per review, plus tips.
• Best For: Independent authors and diverse book genres.

5. NetGalley

NetGalley provides advanced reading copies (ARCs) of books for reviewers to read and review before they are published.

• How to Start: Create a profile on NetGalley, request books for review, and submit your reviews through their platform.
• Earnings: Typically, books are provided free of charge, but some reviews may be compensated.
• Best For: Access to new releases and ARCs.

6. BookBrowse

BookBrowse offers book reviewing opportunities for a variety of genres, focusing on in-depth and thoughtful critiques.

• How to Start: Apply on the BookBrowse website, submit a sample review, and join their team of reviewers.
• Earnings: $30–$75 per review.
• Best For: Quality reviews and structured feedback.

7. Book Riot

Book Riot hires freelance reviewers to contribute to their book-focused content, including reviews and recommendations.

• How to Start: Visit the Book Riot website, apply for freelance opportunities, and submit writing samples.
• Earnings: $25–$75 per review.
• Best For: Diverse book genres and engaging content.

8. The New York Times Book Review

The New York Times Book Review is a prestigious publication that occasionally hires freelance reviewers.

• How to Start: Monitor job listings and submission calls on their website and apply with your credentials and samples.
• Earnings: $100–$500 per review, depending on length and complexity.
• Best For: High-profile reviews and substantial pay.

9. OnlineBookClub.org

OnlineBookClub.org provides a platform for readers to review books and earn rewards or payment.

• How to Start: Register on the OnlineBookClub.org website, select books to review, and submit your reviews.
• Earnings: $5–$60 per review, plus incentives.
• Best For: Flexible reviewing opportunities and rewards.

10. LibraryThing

LibraryThing offers a book review service where reviewers can provide feedback on new and upcoming titles.

• How to Start: Join LibraryThing and participate in their Early Reviewers program to get books for review.
• Earnings: Typically, books are provided free of charge, but some reviews may offer small payments.
• Best For: Access to a wide range of books and community engagement.

11. Book Report Network

Book Report Network offers book reviewing opportunities for freelance writers looking to contribute to their network of book blogs.

• How to Start: Apply through their website, submit a sample review, and join their team of reviewers.
• Earnings: $20–$50 per review.
• Best For: Established network and diverse book selections.

12. Scribophile

Scribophile is a writing community where members can exchange critiques, including book reviews.

• How to Start: Join Scribophile, participate in the community, and exchange reviews with other members.
• Earnings: Typically, reviews are not paid, but you gain valuable feedback and community engagement.
• Best For: Peer reviews and feedback exchange.

13. Goodreads

Goodreads allows users to post reviews and offers opportunities for paid reviewing through its partnership programs.

• How to Start: Create a profile on Goodreads, review books you’ve read, and join their review programs.
• Earnings: Varies; primarily book exchanges and promotional opportunities.
• Best For: Community engagement and visibility.

14. The Indie Review

The Indie Review focuses on self-published and indie books, providing opportunities for freelance reviewers.

• How to Start: Apply through their website and submit samples to become a reviewer for indie books.
• Earnings: $10–$40 per review.
• Best For: Indie and self-published book reviews.

15. Book Page

Book Page offers a platform for freelance book reviewers to contribute reviews and book-related content.

• How to Start: Visit the Book Page website, apply for freelance positions, and submit your review samples.
• Earnings: $50–$100 per review.
• Best For: Established book publication and diverse reviews.

16. Women’s Review of Books

Women’s Review of Books focuses on literature by and about women, offering reviewing opportunities for freelancers.

• How to Start: Apply on their website, submit writing samples, and join their team of reviewers.
• Earnings: $30–$75 per review.
• Best For: Literature by women and gender-focused reviews.

17. Shelf Awareness

Shelf Awareness provides book reviews and industry news, hiring freelance reviewers for their platform.

• How to Start: Check the Shelf Awareness website for freelance opportunities and apply with your samples.
• Earnings: $25–$75 per review.
• Best For: Industry news and diverse book genres.

18. Bookish

Bookish offers paid opportunities for book reviews across various genres and styles.

• How to Start: Apply on the Bookish website, submit your writing samples, and join their reviewer team.
• Earnings: $30–$60 per review.
• Best For: Freelance book reviewing with flexible schedules.

19. All About Romance

All About Romance focuses on romance novels and offers opportunities for freelance book reviewers.

• How to Start: Visit their website, apply for freelance positions, and provide samples of romance book reviews.
• Earnings: $25–$50 per review.
• Best For: Romance genre reviews.

20. Book Depository

Book Depository offers book reviewing opportunities through their affiliate programs and review exchanges.

• How to Start: Join their affiliate program or review exchange, and start writing reviews.
• Earnings: Typically books are provided free, but some reviews may offer compensation.
• Best For: Access to a wide range of books and international reviews.

21. The Millions

The Millions provides opportunities for freelance reviewers to write for their literary blog.

• How to Start: Apply through their website, submit writing samples, and join their freelance team.
• Earnings: $30–$75 per review.
• Best For: Literary blog and high-quality reviews.

22. The Rumpus

The Rumpus offers paid reviewing opportunities for literary fiction and non-fiction.

• How to Start: Visit The Rumpus website, apply for freelance positions, and submit your review samples.
• Earnings: $50–$100 per review.
• Best For: Literary fiction and non-fiction reviews.

23. The Toast

The Toast provides a platform for freelance reviewers, focusing on book and literary content.

• How to Start: Check their website for freelance opportunities, apply, and submit your writing samples.
• Earnings: $25–$60 per review.
• Best For: Book and literary content.

24. Electric Literature

Electric Literature offers freelance reviewing opportunities, focusing on diverse and innovative literature.

• How to Start: Apply through their website, submit samples, and join their team of reviewers.
• Earnings: $50–$100 per review.
• Best For: Diverse and innovative literature reviews.

25. The New Yorker

The New Yorker occasionally hires freelance reviewers for high-profile literary critiques.

• How to Start: Monitor their website for freelance opportunities and apply with your credentials and samples.
• Earnings: $100–$500 per review.
• Best For: High-profile and prestigious reviews.

26. Publishers Marketplace

Publishers Marketplace connects book reviewers with publishing industry professionals.

• How to Start: Register on their website, apply for reviewing positions, and start accepting reviews.
• Earnings: Varies by project.
• Best For: Industry connections and professional opportunities.

27. The Review Review

The Review Review focuses on book reviews and literary criticism, offering freelance positions.

• How to Start: Apply on their website, submit your writing samples, and join their team.
• Earnings: $25–$50 per review.
• Best For: Literary criticism and diverse reviews.

28. The Book Smugglers

The Book Smugglers specialize in genre fiction reviews and offer freelance reviewing opportunities.

• How to Start: Apply through their website, submit sample reviews, and join their team.
• Earnings: $30–$60 per review.
• Best For: Genre fiction reviews and specialized content.

29. Book Page

Book Page provides a platform for book reviews and industry news, hiring freelance reviewers.

• How to Start: Apply on their website, submit samples, and join their freelance team.
• Earnings: $50–$100 per review.
• Best For: Book publication and industry insights.

30. The Creative Penn

The Creative Penn offers freelance opportunities for book reviews and literary content.

• How to Start: Visit their website, apply for freelance positions, and submit your review samples.
• Earnings: $25–$75 per review.
• Best For: Creative and literary content reviews.

Tips for Success as a Book Reviewer

• Develop your writing skills: Practice writing clear, concise, and engaging book reviews.
• Read widely: Expand your knowledge of literature by reading a variety of books.
• Provide constructive feedback: Offer thoughtful and insightful critiques in your reviews.
• Build a strong online presence: Establish a personal brand on social media and create a professional website.
• Network with other book reviewers: Connect with like-minded individuals to share tips and advice.
• Be patient and persistent: Building a successful book review career takes time and effort.
• Offer additional services: Consider offering additional services such as editing, proofreading, or ghostwriting.

Conclusion

Becoming a book reviewer and getting paid is an achievable goal with the right approach and dedication. By leveraging the websites listed above, you can find opportunities that align with your interests and earn money doing what you love. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, high earnings, or specific genres, there’s a platform for you.

FAQs About How to Become a Book Reviewer and Get Paid