Having a good voice and excellent reading skills is essential for earning extra cash, around $100 a day from anywhere, by narrating audiobooks. It is not necessary to be a professional voice-over artist to get paid for reading books aloud.
Becoming an audiobook narrator can result in earning hundreds of dollars through various websites.
What Does ‘Get Paid to Read Books Aloud’ Mean?
If you choose to ‘get paid to read books aloud,’ you will receive payment for reading an entire book from beginning to end.
The increasing popularity of listening to books being read out instead of reading traditionally published books has led to millions of book lovers favoring this method. Consequently, book authors do not want to overlook the chance to take advantage of this particular market segment.
There is currently a high demand for voice actors among various groups, including authors, self-published authors, and publishing houses. These individuals and organizations are seeking individuals who can read books aloud. By dedicating your time as a book reader, you can earn financial compensation.
As a voice actor, instead of receiving a fixed-rate cash compensation, you have the opportunity to receive a lifetime royalty. The fixed-rate payment can vary up to $500 per finished hour or PFH. Hence, if it takes 4 hours to complete the reading of a book, as a voice actor you can earn up to $2,000 for a single book.
Top Sites to Get Paid to Read Books Aloud
If you possess the necessary voice talent, there are numerous websites where you can earn money by reading books aloud. Below, you will find a list of the top 10 sites to get paid for reading books out loud.
1. ACX
One of the top platforms to earn money by reading is ACX, also known as the Audiobook Creation Exchange (or Audiobook Creative Exchange), which is owned by Amazon.
There are numerous chances to receive payment for reading books aloud as the platform oversees narration for Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.
By using your Amazon account, you can conveniently create an ACX account and begin submitting applications for audiobook narrator positions.
After receiving approval from a book author, you will be required to submit a 15-minute audio recording of the book.
Once the audio is approved by the book author, you may proceed with the remaining parts of the book.
If you are an author who has self-published a book and wishes to narrate it for the audiobook version while retaining the rights, ACX will classify you as an Audiobook Producer, rather than referring to you as the Rights Holder.
There are two options available for payment: you can opt for a fixed rate per completed hour or receive royalties depending on the audiobook’s sales.
2. Voices
Voices, a well-known platform, is utilized by numerous renowned brands like The History Channel, Microsoft, and Shopify, for individuals to earn money by reading books. It provides countless opportunities for freelance audiobook voice artists to find numerous jobs as audiobook narrators.
To begin, it is necessary for you to generate a membership account. There is an option to select either their basic plan or go for the premium plan.
After creating an account, you can upload numerous high-quality samples and await the platform’s search feature to connect you with potential clients. Subsequently, you have the option to respond to job listings and share samples.
Clients who appreciate the samples you provided may also extend invitations to you.
Should the client appreciate your voice acting and hire you, there is a possibility of earning between $200 and $300 for every completed hour.
3. Bunny Studio
Bunny Studio is an excellent option for earning money by reading books aloud, where even auditioning is a paid opportunity. There is no fee for freelance voice actors to join the platform, but Bunny Studio does deduct a percentage from the earnings of freelancers.
In order to begin, it is necessary to create an account on the platform and input all of your skills. After completing this step, Bunny Studio will provide you with a task that must be finished within 48 hours. This task will serve as your audition.
If you are given the opportunity, you will have four attempts to showcase your voice skills and establish yourself as a professional in the field. Upon acceptance, you will be able to compile a portfolio and participate in auditions for different projects.
You will receive a payment for each deliverable, regardless of client rejection, as long as you pass the quality control check on the site – this is considered one of the top features.
4. Spoken Realms
Spoken Realms has gained popularity as a platform where individuals can earn money by narrating books. It attracts a community of skilled and captivating storytellers who are highly regarded in their profession.
While other voice artists are still welcome on the platform, those who are ACTRA, SAG-AFTRA, or Equity members have an advantage.
At Spoken Realms, you have the option to either read podcasts or narrate graphic novels, allowing you to select between a royalty share or per finished hour payment system.
5. Findaway Voices
Authors and narrators can utilize Findaway Voices, a vast distribution network, to either personally narrate their newly published book or hire a voice-over artist for the task.
In order to be an audiobook narrator on this platform, it is necessary to create a profile and familiarize yourself with their audiobook narrator guide, which will help you determine if you comply with their guidelines.
Regarding the payment, the platform operates on a per-hour-completed basis. Nonetheless, you have the freedom to modify your rates at any time.
By having an integrated system, Findaway Voices ensures the tracking of the audiobook’s final runtime, thus removing the necessity for invoices.
If you are a proficient voice actor, reading books aloud can be a lucrative profession, allowing you to pursue it as a full-time job.
Although the initial payment for reading books online may not be substantial, you can gradually raise your rates as you continue to develop your portfolio and accumulate more experience.
Other ways to make money online
There are numerous other ways to earn money online, whether you possess specialized knowledge in a specific field or are interested in exploring new opportunities.
1. Complete graphic design projects
Graphic designers who are proficient in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or similar graphic design platforms have the opportunity to earn a substantial income by undertaking graphic design assignments for both individuals and businesses. Upwork, a platform that facilitates connections between graphic designers and employers seeking project workers, states that graphic designers can earn an hourly rate of $40 to $75.
2. Dropship
Dropshipping offers e-commerce entrepreneurs, like you, the opportunity to sell products without the need to stock inventory. Once a store owner receives an order, they can effortlessly reach out to the supplier, who will promptly ship the products straight to the customer’s doorstep. This business model enables individuals to commence an online business with minimal initial capital.
3. Referral programs
You can easily earn a referral bonus by inviting your friends and family members to join a service or product that you use. For instance, when you invite a friend to sign up and make their first investment in Acorns, you will receive a $5 referral bonus that will be invested in your Acorns Invest portfolio. You can invite as many friends as you want, and the best part is that your friends will also receive a $5 bonus investment. Additionally, with Acorns’ Limited Time Promo Referrals, there is an opportunity for you to earn larger bonus investment rewards, potentially reaching up to $1,200.
4. Write eBooks
Writing an eBook can be a lucrative online venture, whether you possess a brilliant concept for a novel or desire to impart your knowledge in a specific field. You have the freedom to author an eBook on virtually any subject, and numerous platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing enable you to market your creation.
Although the process of writing, publishing, and marketing a book requires significant effort, a single book has the potential to generate long-term sales, making it a possible source of passive income if successful.
5. Teach online courses
Creating and selling online courses is another potential lucrative side gig. Online platforms such as Teachable and Udemy provide instructors with the opportunity to create and sell courses encompassing a wide range of subjects, ranging from guitar playing to Thai cuisine preparation. In case you possess teaching experience or hold expertise in a specific field, generating passive income by creating an online course could be a more convenient option.
6. Sell crafts
By selling digital products like printable planner inserts or physical crafts on Etsy, you can make additional income if you enjoy creating them.
7. Write
Being a freelance writer and editor can serve as a lucrative part-time job, with an average hourly pay rate exceeding $20. In this role, you have the freedom to create articles, compose emails, or refine pre-existing content for small enterprises and individuals embarking on their entrepreneurial ventures. Initially, you can discover freelance prospects by using platforms such as UpWork and Freelancer.com.
8. Become a virtual assistant
Available opportunities on oDesk, FlexJobs, and Indeed allow entrepreneurs and business owners to find a virtual assistant who can assist with routine tasks like scheduling appointments, monitoring email inboxes, and posting on social media.
9. Resell items
It is likely that you possess various items at your residence that are no longer necessary or being utilized. These objects may include clothing, furniture, electronics, or even restaurant gift cards that you do not prefer. By utilizing platforms such as Poshmark, Gazelle, Mercari, eBay, or Raise, you have the opportunity to convert these items into cash through their sale.
10. Tutor
No matter if you excel in standardized tests or possess extensive knowledge in Victorian literature, you have the chance to earn money by assisting students in their learning journey. Various platforms such as Tutor Me, Chegg, and Wyzant provide opportunities to tutor students either in person or online.
11. Provide customer service
An increasing number of firms are opting for remote, freelance customer support alternatives. Some may require taking phone calls, while others compensate customer service agents for responding to queries through email or chat. Platforms such as LiveOps and Remote.co present opportunities for those seeking customer service roles.
12. Launch a YouTube channel
Launching a YouTube channel may be suitable for individuals possessing a passion or expertise they wish to share with the world. YouTube creators have the opportunity to generate income by means of advertisements, collaborating with brands, or vending products.
13. Perform search engine evaluation
Companies employ search engine evaluators to enhance their search outcomes, enabling them to guarantee the provision of the most pertinent results to users. Opportunities for search engine side jobs can be discovered on TELUS and Amazon Mechanical Turk, with compensation varying from a few cents to a few dollars per assignment.
14. Act as a community manager
Social media plays a crucial role in businesses, with many of them overseeing extensive communities on platforms such as Facebook or Discord. An advantageous way to earn extra income is by working as a paid community manager for social media or Discord. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork provide opportunities for social media managers to earn hourly rates ranging from $14 to $35.
15. Translate
Rev and Unbabel are platforms where you can find various translation opportunities, such as translating subtitles or transcribing conversations, if you have fluency in another language.
16. Start a blog
Beginning a blog is an excellent method to disseminate your expertise and establish a following if you have a strong interest in a specific subject. Online earnings can be generated by bloggers through ad placements, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and product sales. Initiating your blog is as easy as utilizing a platform such as WordPress.
17. Host a podcast
There is a podcast available for every interest, ranging from true crime to business advice. If you have an idea for a podcast, you can generate income by becoming a podcaster. Platforms like Podbean and Buzzsprout offer opportunities for hosting a show. The amount you earn is determined by the subject of your podcast and its audience.
18. Complete surveys
Although completing online surveys won’t make you wealthy, you can make some additional money to spend during your free time. Platforms like Survey Junkie offer rewards that can be exchanged for gift cards or deposited directly to your PayPal account. According to the company, by completing three simple surveys daily, you can earn approximately $40 per month.
19. Create print-on-demand products
With print-on-demand products, you can design and sell various items like t-shirts, mugs, leggings, bags, hats, and more without the need to store inventory or handle product shipping. Your role is limited to creating and promoting the products, while the chosen print-on-demand company takes care of manufacturing and shipping the items you sell.
The days of relying solely on part-time jobs at malls or local businesses to earn money are long gone. Thanks to the internet, there is now an abundance of opportunities available for making money online.
