Do you love to read books? Is one of your favorite sections of the Sunday paper the book reviews? Would you yourself like to get paid to write book reviews?
If you’re new to the world of freelance writing, you may want to check out this HUGE list of over 60 sites that pay you to write (many accept beginners).
But if you’re just interested in writing reviews, here is a list of online work at home companies who are willing to pay you to write book reviews.
And while there are tons of different freelance writing niches you could potentially specialize in, writing book reviews may be more fun for you if you like reading!
Which Companies Pay Their Book Reviewers Cash?
Let me just say here, while there are many companies proposing that they do hire and pay their book reviewers, not all of them pay cash. Some companies only compensate the reader with a free copy of the book.
There are also numerous scams out there where companies claim to hire book reviewers only to find out that they keep the review and use it to their advantage. Sadly these scammers never pay the reviewer for their time.
Some of the companies that I have found (and I am sure I don’t have 110% of them) are listed below. Keep in mind that reading the book is part of the work, so a short review can still take several hours to complete.
Pay and application details checked October 10, 2026.
1 – Kirkus
Kirkus is probably the best known for hiring book reviewers. They look for experienced reviewers of English- and Spanish-language books for Kirkus Indie. Reviews are about 350 words and are due two weeks after the book is assigned.
The work is freelance and project-based, with the location listed as anywhere. To apply, send a resume, writing samples, and your reviewing specialties using the instructions on the careers page.
Kirkus does not publish its current pay rate or payment schedule, so ask about those details before accepting work. Assignments are not guaranteed, and this should not be considered a dependable main source of income.
You can read our review of Kirkus to learn more.
2 – Online Book Club
Online Book Club gives you a free book for your first review, but that first review is unpaid. After your first approved review, you become eligible for paid reviews. The site says most payouts range from $5 to $60 per review.
Joining is free, and you are asked for an honest review, not a positive one. Approval and available assignments matter, so do not assume every book you read will earn $60. Read the review and payment requirements carefully before starting.
3 – The US Review of Books
The US Review of Books regularly needs freelancers to review books for their publication. You’ll need to send a resume, sample work, and at least two professional references in order to be considered as a reviewer. The pay amount for reviews you write is not listed on the website, but it does say you’ll get paid monthly with a mailed check.
4 – Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy Discovery pays its approved professional reviewers for each review. The current program looks for at least three years of experience and a portfolio of reviews for professional platforms, publications, or journals. The payment amount is not listed publicly.
You choose the books you want to review, with no review quota. Reviews must be at least 350 words, and you have 30 days to complete each one. Reedsy does not accept AI-written reviews.
5 – Booklist Publications
Booklist Publications pays $15 per review, with payment made after the review is published. The average reviewer writes two to three reviews a month. Reviews are short, usually 150 to 175 words, and help school and public libraries choose books.
You need to know books, libraries, and the U.S. and Canadian book market. A library degree is not required, but library experience helping readers or selecting books is helpful. Read the guidelines and sample reviews, then use the new reviewer application linked on the page. Booklist does not allow AI-written reviews.
6 – BookBrowse
BookBrowse gives its reviewers a byline and a modest payment, but does not publish a current dollar amount. Reviewers tend to write about one review a month, along with a separate article about a topic related to the book.
The application requires two original sample reviews of at least 300 words each. BookBrowse does not accept AI-written samples. Most reviewers are in the U.S., but overseas applicants can apply if they can read ebooks. Applying also adds you to the company’s newsletters.
If you also enjoy catching typos and grammar mistakes, these companies hiring work at home proofreaders offer another way to put your reading skills to work. Most require relevant experience.
Don’t Feel Confident You Can Write a Book Review?
Since most of the above sites are going to want you to actually write a book review after you’ve read the book, you need to know how to go about it.
It’s one of those things that sounds easy until you sit down to actually do it! “How to Write a Simple Book Review” is an eBook about the process. You can use the Amazon listing to read the description and check its current availability and price.
Tips For Getting Accepted as a Book Reviewer
To increase your chances of being selected, make sure your sample review sounds natural and thoughtful. Avoid sounding overly promotional or robotic, and follow each publication’s style.
If a site asks for writing samples, use reviews that show how you explain your opinion and support it with details from the book. Professional references are people who can speak about your work, so do not send writing samples in place of references.
What Makes a Great Book Review?
A good book review gives a balanced overview of the plot, tone, and writing style without spoiling key details.
It should also mention which readers are likely to enjoy the book (ex: fans of thrillers, memoir lovers, etc.). That kind of helpful commentary is what authors and publishers value most.
In Conclusion
While this may seem like a discouraging list, it really does not need to be. There are opportunities out there if you are willing to look for and pursue them. While book reviewers do not make a lot of money, they do make money while doing something most of them enjoy.
Another avenue that you might want to pursue is offering editorial book reviews as a paid service in your freelance writing or virtual assistant business. Agree on the fee, deadline, and where the review will appear before you begin.
If you publish a paid review on your own blog, disclose the payment and give your honest opinion. Do not promise a positive rating. Also, Amazon does not allow paid customer reviews, so do not sell those as a service.
Again, if you really love to read, what do you have to lose? Maybe a little sleep, but most avid book readers have been missing that for years!
Good luck to all who pursue any of these opportunities.
Photo by Abby Kihano on Pexels.
Leisa Good has worked in the corporate world as well as side hustled and operated a virtual assistant business full-time since 2006.. She wrote the eBook on that one! She is also a PFYP certified career coach and the owner of the blog, Powerfully Purposed For Success. She empowers folks 50-ish to find fun, flexible, and financially rewarding work both now and into retirement. However, this time it will be work/life on their terms.