Book Reviewers Needed: 10 Companies That Hire Book Lovers

Book Reviewers Needed: 10 Companies That Hire Book Lovers

Book reviewers are needed from a variety of different work from home companies. Do you love to read in your free time? Why not make a side hustle out of it and get paid to read books.  Find out more below.

book reviewers

What Do Book Reviewers Do?

It is pretty simple really, as book reviewers you read a book and provide a written up review for the company. This means you have to not only love to read, but also be a decent writer as well so that your reviews are good. Each company has different requirements as far as how long the reviews have to be or sometimes specific types of books they want reviewed. Some companies pay while others consider the free book as payment so be sure to read about each company and each assignment before agreeing.

Before you start your search for how to get paid to read books be sure you are aware that like most remote jobs, there are scammers out there trying to take advantage of you. Sometimes you may see a posting for a book reviewing position and they will ask you to write a book review as part of the application. They then use your review and never pay you (and there is no job). So be aware of this when applying. Research the company before spending a lot of time on anything and definitely before handing over any money. For more info check out our Scams page for what to watch for.

What Companies Hire Book Reviewers?

  1. Kirkus– Reviews are about 350 words due two weeks after the book is assigned. Kirkus currently reviews nearly all genres for books of all lengths, in digital, hardcover and paperback format. To apply, please submit your resume, writing samples and a list of reviewing specialties to Kirkus Indie Editor David Rapp at Drapp@kirkus.com.
  2. Online Book Club-Some assignments include only a free book while others are paid assignments so be sure to check. Most payouts currently range between $5-$60 per review
  3. Booklist Publications-This company’s reviews are specifically targeted for schools and libraries and because of this they want reviewers that are familiar with libraries as well as books. The purpose of the reviews for this website is to recommend for library purchase. The company pays $15 for each review. You’re paid for a review once that review is published in the magazine or online. 
  4. Reedsy-This company does not pay much, really just in the amount of tips from the authors. It helps to have a blog if you want to be a reviewer with this company as well.
  5. BookBrowse– BookBrowse reviews both adult fiction and nonfiction, and some books for young adults. The reviews must be at least 300 words long and most reviewers review a new title about once a month. The website says reviewers receive a “modest payment” so I am not sure what amount that is.
  6. The U.S. Review– This company requires you to send your resume, some samples, and a couple of professional references before hiring. See the website for more info.
  7. Writerful– This company allows you to choose which types of books you want to review but they prefer contemporary novels from American, Australian, British, Canadian, Irish and New Zealand authors. If you do a good job, the company may offer you a position as a full time book reviewer. See their website for more information.
  8. Moody Publishers– This company only works with bloggers and does not provide compensation, only free books.
  9. Women’s Review of Books– This company requires you to submit a resume, published samples, along with a cover letter. There is no info on the website about how much they pay per review.
  10. Bethany House– This company works with bloggers willing to review both fiction and non-fiction Christian books. The application form can be found on their website

If you do not think becoming a book reviewer is the right fit for you there are plenty of other ways to make money from home. Check out our work at home companies list!

Alaina Forbes

2 Comments
  • JosiahsMommy

    November 1, 2009 at 3:31 am Reply

    I just wanted to mention that I responded to a similar ad at one time a while back. The person who emailed me back asked me to do a “test review” to prove my writing abilities. I reviewed a website for them, which they then stole and published without compensating me. Lesson learned the hard way I guess.

  • Telecommuting Mom

    November 1, 2009 at 6:27 am Reply

    Oh, wow. That is the hard part about posting ads I find on Craigslist. They are much harder to research. Thank you for posting your comment though, hopefully it will make others show some caution. Thanks!

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