Are you a book enthusiast? Looking for ways to make some money by using your passion?
Want to get paid for reading books?
Audiobooks have become popular. Many people don’t have time to read a book physically Or they see it as a chore, so they turn to audiobooks, which they can listen to effortlessly.
You can now leverage your passion and make some money out of it. Whether looking for a low-cost side hustle or a potential new career, you have come to the right place.
This post outlines a list of high-paying websites that will pay you to read books aloud. Dive in for an opportunity to make a living doing what you do best; read books.
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Table of Contents
The Best Sites To Get Paid To Read Books
Do you prefer solitude and enjoy spending time with books? You can take many opportunities to get your voice heard while making a lot of cash.
Here are some of the best sites to get paid to read books aloud.
AudioBook Creative Exchange (ACX)
ACX is one of the best sites to make money by reading books aloud. As an Amazon-owned platform, it covers all aspects of audiobook production including narration.
Your work will be featured on the world’s most popular listening platforms, including Audible and iTunes.
Setting up an account on ACX is super easy. Here’s how you can do it:
- Create Your Profile: Think of your profile as your first impression. The more details you add about your background and experience, the more you’ll stand out to authors.
- Upload Vocal Samples: Showcase your voice with a variety of samples.
- Start Auditioning: Browse the posted jobs and record a few minutes of the manuscript for auditions. Use ACX’s resources to ensure your auditions are top-notch.
- Accept an Offer: Negotiate with the author to get the best deal.
- Finalize the Project and Get Paid: Complete the project and choose to get paid per finished hour or share royalties on audiobook sales.
One of the best things about ACX is that authors come to you. Plus, you can negotiate your rates and choose your niche by uploading samples in your preferred genres.
Overall, ACX is a fantastic place to kickstart your narration career.
Audible
If you’re looking to get paid to read books aloud, Audible is a great place to start. It’s the biggest audiobook platform out there and is directly affiliated with Amazon.
To get your work on Audible, you’ll need to sign up on ACX. This is super convenient because once you’re on ACX, your work can be featured on both platforms.
If you’re interested in becoming an audiobook narrator for Audible, you can also send them an email at readers@audible.com. Make sure to include:
- A two-minute sample clip
- A list of books you’ve narrated
- A link to your website (if you have one)
- Your contact information
It’s a great opportunity to showcase your talent!
Voices
Voices is an awesome platform to kick off your voice-over career. Just start by creating a profile and uploading some samples of your work.
It’s a fantastic place to get paid to read books in English. And don’t worry if English isn’t your first language—you can narrate in multiple languages on this platform.
You can choose a free guest membership or go for a premium membership, which comes with a fee.
With a premium membership, you get automatically matched with jobs that fit your skills, and you can create projects for clients to purchase.
Plus, Voices lets you work with big names like Hulu, Shopify, and Microsoft. It’s perfect whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or turn your side hustle into a full-time gig.
EXTRA READING: Earn Money From Pinterest
Bunny Studio
Bunny Studio is a freelance-to-client platform focusing on creative projects like audiobook production and graphic design.
Account creation is free in Bunny Studio. The platform matches you to client projects that match your skills. You’re free to set your rates according to project length or complexity.
The platform makes payment within 30 days. This saves you from the hectic process of negotiating with clients and following them up for settlement.
It’s worth noting that the platform has a quality control team that assesses the quality of projects you complete before they’re delivered to the client.
Fortunately, if a client rejects a project after the assessment team approves it, you’ll still get paid.
Note that you have to be a professional to work with Bunny Studio. You must also have access to professional equipment to ensure the quality of your projects.
Brilliance Publishing
If you’re interested in a platform where you can get paid to read books aloud, I highly recommend Brilliance Publishing, a subsidiary of the Amazon Publishing Group.
Brilliance Publishing is an excellent choice for both new and experienced narrators.
For those just starting, it provides a supportive environment with valuable tips and guidance to help you succeed as an audiobook narrator.
For example, they recommend that new narrators practice for 6-7 hours daily to hone their skills.
This dedication to practice can significantly enhance your performance and increase your chances of success in the industry.
If you’re eager to join Brilliance Publishing, you can reach out to them via their contacts page and submit your application through email.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your narration career with a reputable company.
EXTRA READING: Make Money For Teens ($100/Day)
Voice123
Freelancers have secured significant contracts with top-tier companies like Coca-Cola, Airbnb, and the New York Times through Voice123.
Signing up on the platform is free, and there are various membership options to suit your needs.
While a free plan is available, upgrading to a premium account, which ranges from $199 to $600 per year, offers numerous benefits.
With a premium plan, you can appear in more search results, receive invitations earlier, and upload unlimited samples and playlists.
During the sign-up process, you’ll answer questions about your language skills, experience level, and the services you offer, ensuring you’re matched with relevant jobs.
Once your account is set up, you’ll start receiving client invitations.
A key advantage of using Voice123 is that there are no commission fees—the clients handle the payments.
However, this also means you’ll need to negotiate terms and manage follow-ups directly with clients.
Spoken Realms
Spoken Realms is a premier audiobook producer that brings together storytellers from around the world.
Unlike many platforms, Spoken Realms collaborates exclusively with professional narrators. If you have industry experience, this could be a prime opportunity to earn money by narrating books.
Beginners should consider building their portfolio before applying.
To get started, visit their website and complete the application form, including links to your previously published work.
They prefer candidates who have worked with major publishers like Macmillan or HarperCollins and possess additional production skills, such as graphic design or audio engineering.
After submitting the form, Spoken Realms will reach out if they’re interested in collaborating. Payment is based on a per finished hour rate and royalty share.
EXTRA READING: Earn Money From Pinterest
Backstage
Backstage is a renowned platform for casting voiceover artists for screenplays, documentaries, and TV shows. Additionally, it provides opportunities to narrate books for various podcast genres, from fiction to horror.
When signing up, you can choose from three plans:
- $16.66/month billed yearly
- $19.99/month billed bi-annually
- $24.95/month billed monthly
After selecting a plan, you can follow these steps to get started:
- Create a profile: Set up your profile.
- Market yourself: Upload unlimited photos and videos to increase your visibility.
- Apply for jobs: Apply to as many job postings as you want.
- Audition for a job: Showcase your talent.
- Get the job and get paid: Secure and complete assignments.
A major benefit of Backstage is its messaging platform, which lets you communicate directly with clients. Plus, all job opportunities are screened for legitimacy before they go live.
EXTRA READING: Make Money For Teens ($100/Day)
VoiceJungle
VoiceJungle is another reputable platform where you can earn money for reading books aloud. You can make money narrating books for podcasts and the e-learning industry.
Some perks of this website are joining is free, and you don’t have to audition for jobs.
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must possess a home studio and meet standard quality requirements
- You must have the ability to deliver projects within a 24-hour timeframe when requested
To join VoiceJungle, complete the application form on their website. You’re also required to upload an MP3 demo.
Once a paying job is available, they’ll contact you directly. Payment is processed once the client approves your project.
Findaway Voices
Findaway Voices is a versatile platform for creating audiobooks, featuring distribution across major platforms like Spotify, Apple, and Audible.
There are no upfront costs or membership fees to get started. Begin by setting up your account and familiarizing yourself with the narrators’ guide.
Build your portfolio and complete their survey to showcase your skills effectively. Once approved,
Findaway Voices matches you with suitable projects based on your abilities, eliminating the need for you to search for jobs actively.
You’ll receive notifications when projects are ready for auditions. Payment is based on the rates per finished hour that you set, ensuring transparent compensation for your work.
EXTRA READING: Make Money For Teens ($100/Day)
VOPlanet
VOPlanet connects voiceover artists like you with diverse jobs in e-learning, audiobooks, commercials, and video games.
The platform exclusively accepts professionals with access to professional studios, equipment, and quality demos.
For established professionals, it’s an ideal opportunity to earn from reading books aloud. If you’re new, gaining experience beforehand is recommended.
If you meet the requirements, apply through their website. Applications are typically reviewed within two business days.
VOPlanet charges a standard $199 annual fee covering site maintenance, digital storage, advertising, and promotion.
Here’s why VOPlanet stands out:
Jobs often offer higher pay compared to other platforms. They vet postings to ensure fair compensation.
VOPlanet doesn’t take a cut of your earnings; you deal directly with the client.
You can apply for multiple jobs simultaneously, increasing your chances of landing work.
Bodalgo
Bodalgo, a Germany-based company, serves as a premier platform for audiobook narration, ads, and explainer videos, boasting a network of over 13,000 voice-over talents across 80 languages.
It offers lucrative opportunities for multilingual individuals to get paid for reading books aloud. Bodalgo partners with esteemed brands like Gucci, Sony, and NBC.
To get started, simply create a profile and upload your work samples. You can audition for projects that match your interests and abilities without any limit on the number of auditions—a great way to enhance your chances of landing gigs.
EXTRA READING: Make Money For Teens ($100/Day)
The Voice Realm
The Voice Realm is a distinguished platform that offers opportunities to get paid for narrating books.
They prioritize top-tier sound quality and service excellence, exclusively partnering with experienced professionals chosen for their expertise, audio quality, and ability to follow instructions.
To get started with The Voice Realm, fill out their online form and upload a high-quality demo. They’ll contact you if they’re impressed with your submission.
EXTRA READING: Earn Money From Pinterest
Mandy Voices
Mandy Voices, formerly Voices Pro, is renowned as the premier platform for voiceover work in the U.S.
It welcomes all levels of experience, making it an ideal starting point for beginners.
Partnering with industry giants such as Netflix, Disney, and Prime Video, Mandy Voices offers a free signup process. You can showcase unlimited samples on your profile to enhance visibility.
Moreover, they provide various career-building opportunities like seminars, networking events, and training sessions, ensuring comprehensive support for your professional growth.
Voice Crafters
Voice Crafters, established in 2009, is a prominent voice talent agency offering voiceover services in over 80 languages, making it an ideal opportunity for multilingual professionals.
To join Voice Crafters, you must meet specific criteria:
- Hold a minimum of five years of experience as a full-time voice actor.
- Possess a professional recording studio, ensuring demos are free of background noise and audio reverb.
- Work directly with Voice Crafters and deliver promptly under short deadlines.
After submitting your application, Voice Crafters will contact you if you meet their requirements.
EXTRA READING: Make Money For Teens ($100/Day)
Internet Jock
Internet Jock prioritizes quick turnaround times, expecting projects to be completed within 1-2 hours.
Access to a home studio is essential, alongside patience and professionalism. Payment occurs monthly, with a 40% commission deducted by the platform.
Ensure demos are not overly compressed or embedded with graphics. Working for voiceover services with lower rates disqualifies applicants.
If you meet these criteria and wish to join Internet Jock, complete their website application and await further contact.
Voquent
Voquent offers an opportunity to earn money by reading books aloud. Signing up on their platform is free of charge.
To qualify, you need to meet specific criteria:
- Demonstrate experience in narration.
- Possess a strong work ethic, a proactive attitude, and excellent communication skills.
- Showcase outstanding demos of your work.
- Have access to a professional home studio.
If you meet these requirements, consider applying today to start your journey with Voquent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get Paid To Read Books Aloud?
Yes, you can! Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash or start a career as a voice actor, there are platforms like ACX, Bunny Studio, and Voice123 where you can sign up and find narration gigs.
How Do I Get Paid To Read Books Aloud?
To get paid for reading books aloud, sign up on platforms such as ACX and Findaway Voices. Once approved, you can browse available projects or get matched with suitable opportunities.
How Much Do Audiobook Narrators Get Paid?
Audiobook narrators typically earn between $200 to $300 per hour, depending on their experience and the project. Some platforms offer payment per finished hour or royalties based on book sales.
Can Anyone Be an Audiobook Narrator?
Yes, anyone can become an audiobook narrator if they can produce high-quality audio recordings. Platforms like Voices and Bodalgo welcome beginners, while others may require prior experience or a professional portfolio.
Do You Need Experience to Narrate Audiobooks?
No, experience isn’t always necessary, especially on beginner-friendly platforms like Mandy Voices. However, gaining experience can enhance your chances of securing higher-paying opportunities.
How Many Hours Does It Take to Narrate an Audiobook?
The time to narrate an audiobook varies based on its length and complexity. Typically, it takes about two hours to record one finished hour of audio.
How Do I Start Narrating Audiobooks For Money?
To start narrating audiobooks for money, create a quiet recording space, thoroughly prepare the text, record and edit in manageable sections, and use quality audio editing software for professional results.
Is Narrating Audiobooks a Good Side Hustle?
Narrating audiobooks is an excellent side hustle because it’s flexible and can be done from home with low start-up costs. The demand for audiobook narrators is growing, offering potential earnings of over $100 per hour depending on the project.