Get Paid to Read, Earn up to $60 Per Review!

One of the best things about humanity is that we’re all programmed to work toward improving things about our lives. For the majority of us, this includes the struggle for money. While yes, it’s never possible to fully control every part of this winding journey called life, there are always a few things that people would like more influence over.

One of the primary aspects people would like to change is their income. Fortunately, there are tons of work from home jobs that exist to put your worries at ease. In today’s world, there are more and more jobs online as well, and this trend is expected to continue well into the future.

Some work-from-home jobs involve you working for someone else, or you may be able to even start your own business. And, yes, you can even make a decent amount of money by just reading and leaving reviews.

The website is called Kirkus Reviews, and as soon as you’re on the site all you have to do is click “careers” to apply then become a book reviewer (fiction and nonfiction). If you’re not familiar with them, Kirkus is a well-known magazine focused on book reviews. You will often see Kirkus reviews on the backs of book covers right next to comments from other big-name publications like the New York Times.

They pay $60 per 350-word review, and you don’t get a byline (your review is anonymous). The editors are great to work with, they are friendly and responsive. You will always get paid on time, by direct deposit to your checking account. Also, as a reviewer the books you read are completely free to you.

There are plenty of books to review almost as soon as you turn in a review, another book will be available to you. After you’ve been reviewing for a while, say after 8–10 reviews, you can ask for a raise. If you’ve been making your deadlines, and the indie title flow is good, and your reviews don’t need a lot of editing, you may get it.

Based on what I’ve learned in my research, working as a Kirkus reviewer doesn’t look like a gig that could earn you a full-time living, but the work doesn’t seem to be all that difficult either. Plus, you can add it with any other side income you have which will in fact increase your earnings. Under the right circumstances, this might serve as a solid, low-stress source of extra money for certain freelance writers. Also, a good review from Kirkus can be remarkably helpful for new writers seeking exposure.

Are There Deadlines?

Kirkus reviewers have a two-week deadline to finish reading each book and deliver their written opinion. You’ll be assigned books based on your tastes and reading habits.

The reviews need to be well written, and you’ll have to support your conclusions in a concise way, but it shouldn’t take very long to write one. The length they’re looking for is in the 350-word range as I mentioned before, which is no problem at all for the ordinary freelancer.

Having the opportunity to read books for free and get paid for your comment sounds like a good time. There’s a good chance you’ll end up enjoying many of the titles quite a lot, in which case the reading itself probably won’t seem like work. You’re reading this currently so imagine if you were to get paid for leaving me a review…this isn’t a book but, you get the gist.

What To Expect When You Apply

Kirkus isn’t really specific about what credentials they’re looking for. They want “experienced” reviewers, but they don’t specify whether that experience has to be professional or not. Which is a significant distinction, especially with this type of job. Depending on how you interpret their guidelines, it’s possible someone with a casual book review blog or a person who’s done hundreds of reviews will be able to meet their requirements.

When you submit your application, you’ll have to send in a resume, writing samples, and your reviewing specialties. There aren’t any details available on what happens after that. They’ll contact you by email if they’re interested, and you’ll proceed from there.

Is It Worth It?

In all honesty, why not? You can earn extra income just by reading more books. Exploring a new world or learning something interesting while giving your opinion at the very end then earning from that alone. This is something you can add to your income streams.

Sixty dollars per review is not bad at all especially, if you are a fast reader. You might be a person that reads 5, 10, 15 books in a month. After doing research for this website I am considering trying it out myself, I have a friend who has tried this, and she enjoys it very much. If you consider trying Kirkus for yourself, I hope it goes well for you.

Reviewers Info.

Book Reviewer

Freelance/Project Basis (Anywhere)

The information below is straight from the Kirkusreviews website. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer please complete the steps below.

“Kirkus is looking for experienced book reviewers of English and Spanish-language titles to review for Kirkus Indie, the book review magazine’s section dedicated to self-published authors. Reviews are in the same format and held to the same high standards as other sections of Kirkus Reviews.

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 [email protected].”

Start earning for doing what you enjoy!