5 Jobs If You Love Reading

Check Out These 5 Jobs If You Love Reading

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Jenny Smedra
Updated:
Personal Finance

Many people dream of turning their hobbies into profitable ventures. However, this is often much easier said than done. Fortunately, I’ve been able to turn my love for the written word into a lucrative career. Here are 5 jobs that are perfect for those who love reading.

5 Jobs for Those Who Love Reading

1. Audiobook Narrator

Audiobooks are more popular than ever. Now that you can listen to them on any mobile device by downloading apps, you can multitask as you do other things throughout the day. However, many companies will pay you to record yourself reading their books.

Therefore, becoming an audiobook narrator is one of the best jobs if you love reading. In addition to having access to new titles and working with new authors, you can make money doing something you love. They may hire you for a few chapters or an entire novel. Plus, you often have the option to work remotely. Though, you may have certain gigs that require you to go into the studio.

While many famous actors have made a career of it, many companies will also hire regular people with the right skills. Relevant experience such as acting, voice acting, or hosting a podcast or radio show will improve your prospects. But, you may need to invest in quality recording equipment.

Where to Find Jobs

Rates will vary greatly depending on your experience, ranging anywhere from $10 to $500 per completed hour. And, you may have the opportunity to earn royalties on top of payment for completing your contract. But, keep in mind that you will have more earning potential if you use your social media influence to expand your audience.

  • Sites like ACX produce thousands of audiobooks for Audible, iTunes, and Amazon. They post their titles for you to choose from and submit your auditions online.
  • You can also post your services through freelance marketplaces. You will need to upload your resume, related experiences, and samples of your work to attract contracts. However, you can become more active in your search and apply for jobs through Upwork and Fiverr.
  • Another option is to use sites like Findaway Voices that specialize in talent for voiceover services.

2. Book Reviewer

Imagine not only finding a job that pays you to read but also to give your insights and opinions. Many companies do just this by hiring book reviewers to write about their newest titles, then post online or in other public forums. With this role, you have to ability to freelance for several websites and magazines. And, there is a wide range in the style and purposes of writing. Sometimes they will need summaries and general reviews. Others may hire you for deeper analysis and full-length critiques.

If you want more creative control over your content, you may also consider hosting your own site or podcast for book reviews. In addition to choosing the content you review and publish, you have more freedom to mold it to your vision. However, it will require much more time and effort to build it into a successful enterprise. Your success will rely on building a sizeable audience and increasing your following. But, most independent book reviewers make their money through advertisements, paid subscribers, and sponsorships.

Where to Find Jobs

Those who prefer to work with an established company will have to submit a resume and a 200-300 review on a recently published book to showcase their abilities. Compensation will vary greatly depending on the type of job and your personal experience. Most companies pay between $5 and $60 per review. But, the pay scale tends toward the lower side until you gain a reputation within the writing community.

Although you can find opportunities in many places, these companies regularly hire new reviewers:

  • U.S. Review of Books
  • Publishers Weekly
  • Booklist Publications
  • Kirkus Media
  • BookBrowse
  • Online Book Club
  • Women’s Review of Books
  • BookWritten

3. Proofreader/Editor

Most people don’t understand how long it takes to get a book published. Each book must undergo several rounds of editing, proofreading, and fact-checking before it ever goes to print. With hundreds of manuscripts being submitted to publishers every day, there is a huge demand for people with these skill sets.

So, if you have a strong grasp of the rules for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax, this could be the perfect job for you. However, you must have an eye for detail and the ability to focus for long periods. But if you think you have what it takes, you can make a comfortable living by helping others perfect their work.

Where to Find Jobs

Like the other jobs here, rates will depend on your experience. However, it’s important to note that many publishers will pay you more if you have the skills to convert text to e-book formatting. With increasing demands, this is becoming a highly sought-after skill.

If you are looking for these kinds of jobs, there are several ways you can find proofreading positions:

  • There are more opportunities than you might think with freelance marketplaces. I have worked with many corporate clients as well as new or self-published authors who all use these sites.
  • You may also have some luck if you advertise your services at bookstores and within your local writing community.
  • Another option is to contact the publishing houses directly to try and get your foot in the door.

4. Tutor

Tutoring offers more jobs for those who love reading. It provides the rare opportunity to share your passion while also helping to improve your students’ reading comprehension and analytical skills. Since these skills are fundamental to all areas of learning, I have also seen how helping students to enjoy reading can elevate their overall academic performance. It has been one of the most rewarding positions that allowed me to earn extra income while sharing my love of the written word with eager students.

Where to Find Jobs

Once again, rates will vary based on your background and expertise. I’ve charged anywhere from $10 -$40 an hour depending on the subject matter and where I was in my career. As a college student, I was on the lower end of the pay scale. But as I finished my degrees and gained more experience, I was able to earn more for my efforts.

The good news is that there are many places you can find tutoring positions:

  • You can look for local listings through schools, community centers, and community boards.
  • Another idea is to work with a tutoring agency that will connect you with students actively looking for a tutor.
  • If all else fails, ask around and advertise your services through word of mouth to find students who need your help.

5. Bookstore or Library Staff

If you are looking for other options that don’t require you to hunt down contracts or start your own business, then you can look for places where you can surround yourself with books.

One option is to seek out a position in the local library. Even if you don’t have a degree in library and information sciences, they often hire assistants to help with restocking shelves, assisting patrons, leading story hours, and creating promotional materials. These jobs are perfect for those who love reading. Furthermore, you can give back to the local community in a meaningful way and help foster a love of reading in the next generation.

You may also look for positions at local bookstores. These salaried positions don’t pay much more than minimum wage, but they may come with company benefits and discounts. The latter is a huge benefit to bibliophiles, as long as you don’t spend your paycheck before you cash it.

Final Footnotes

If you are an avid reader and love books, it’s possible to turn your passion into a fun and profitable career. Although you won’t get rich, it is entirely possible to find a satisfying career doing what you love.

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