Books shouldn’t just drain your wallet—turn your love for reading and writing into a profitable book side hustle today!
Most people think books are just an expensive hobby. But why should book lovers always spend money instead of making it?
The Best Book Side Hustle Ideas to Actually Make Money
A book side hustle lets you turn your passion into profit, whether you read, write, or create. From reviewing books to reselling used copies, there are countless ways to earn. These aren’t just random ideas—these are real, tested side hustles that book lovers are already making money from. Keep reading to find the best book side hustle ideas to start today!
Get Paid to Review Books
Publishers and authors need honest reviews to promote their books. Many platforms now pay readers for book reviews. You can turn this into a profitable book side hustle by working with review sites or starting your own blog.
Where to Find Paid Book Review Gigs
- OnlineBookClub – Free books in exchange for detailed reviews.
- Reedsy Discovery – Get paid to review new books from indie authors.
- Kirkus Reviews & Publishers Weekly – Pay for professional reviews.
Start a Book Review Blog and Monetize It
Building a book review blog creates long-term income. Use affiliate links to earn commissions on book sales. Accept sponsored posts from authors and publishers. Add display ads for extra passive income.
Other Ways to Get Paid to Read Books
- Join NetGalley or Edelweiss to access free books and grow credibility.
- Offer beta reading services to authors on Fiverr or Upwork.
- Review books on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram and monetize your audience.
A book side hustle in reviewing lets you get paid to read books while sharing your passion. If you already love discussing books, why not turn that into cash?
Start a Bookish Social Media or YouTube Channel
Social media makes it easier than ever to turn a book side hustle into real income. Platforms like BookTok, Bookstagram, and BookTube let book lovers share their passion and build an audience. Even better, you can make money with books while doing what you love.
Why a Bookish Social Media Channel Works
More people turn to social media for book recommendations. Readers trust real opinions from real people, not just ads from publishers. If you love talking about books, starting a book-focused social media account is a great way to connect and earn.
How to Monetize Your Bookish Content
Once you grow an audience, you can start making money in several ways:
- Affiliate Marketing – Share book links through Amazon Associates or Bookshop.org and earn commissions.
- Sponsorships – Publishers, book subscription boxes, and brands will pay you to promote their products.
- Ad Revenue – If you start a YouTube channel, you can earn from ads on your videos once you hit monetization requirements.
- Merch and Services – Sell bookish merchandise, offer beta reading, or create a paid book club for exclusive content.
How to Get Started Today
First, choose a platform that fits your style. Love short videos? Try TikTok. Enjoy photography? Instagram works best. Prefer long discussions? YouTube is ideal. Next, post consistently and engage with your audience. Over time, you’ll turn your book side hustle into a profitable brand.
A bookish social media channel combines fun and income. So why not start today? Your book side hustle could be just one post away from success!
Resell Books for Profit (Flipping Used Books)
Buying and reselling books is a smart book side hustle that turns old books into cash. Many people donate or sell books cheaply, not realizing their value. You can source used books, list them online, and make a solid profit.
Where to Find Cheap Books to Resell
To make money flipping books, you first need to find great deals. Look in places where people sell books for pennies, then resell them for more. Here’s where to start:
- Thrift Stores – Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local secondhand shops often have cheap books in great condition.
- Library Sales – Many libraries sell old or duplicate books at super low prices.
- Estate Sales & Yard Sales – Homeowners often sell books in bulk for next to nothing.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – Some people just want to declutter, so you can grab books for free or cheap.
Where to Sell Used Books for Profit
Once you source books, you need a place to sell them for the best return. Here are top platforms for book reselling:
- Amazon FBA – A top choice for high-value books. Amazon handles shipping and customer service. eBay – Great for rare, collectible, and niche books.
- PangoBooks & Mercari – Both are book-friendly platforms with low fees.
- Local Bookstores – Some independent shops buy used books, especially bestsellers and classics.
How to Maximize Your Profits
To make this book side hustle work, you need to know your numbers. Use ISBN scanning apps like ScoutIQ or BookScouter to check a book’s resale value. Focus on textbooks, out-of-print books, and niche topics—these sell for the most. Also, make sure books are clean, undamaged, and well-photographed to attract buyers.
Selling used books is a simple but profitable side hustle. If you love thrifting or finding hidden gems, this could be a great way to earn passive income while staying in the book world.
Audiobook Narration as a Side Gig
Love reading aloud? Audiobook narration could be the perfect book side hustle for you.
With more people choosing audiobooks over print, the demand for narrators is growing fast. If you have a clear voice and enjoy storytelling, you can get paid to read books.
How to Get Started with Audiobook Narration
You don’t need a professional studio to begin. But you do need the right tools and training. Here’s how to start:
- Invest in Basic Equipment – A USB microphone, pop filter, and noise-canceling headphones improve sound quality.
- Practice Voice Training – Clear pronunciation and engaging delivery make you stand out. Free YouTube tutorials help improve narration skills.
- Set Up Profiles on Audiobook Platforms – Join sites like ACX (Amazon’s Audiobook Exchange), Voices.com, and Upwork to find paid gigs.
- Create a Demo Reel – Record samples of different tones, accents, and reading styles to showcase your voice.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary, but experienced narrators make $100–$500 per finished hour of audio. Some projects offer royalty shares, meaning you keep earning every time the audiobook sells. This makes audiobook narration a potential passive income stream for book lovers.
Why Audiobook Narration is a Great Book Side Hustle
This side gig lets you work from home, set your own schedule, and get paid to read books. If you love storytelling and have a great voice, it’s a fun way to turn your passion into profit!
Freelance Writing and Editing for the Book Industry
If you love words, freelance writing and editing can be a profitable book side hustle. Authors and publishers need skilled writers and editors to polish their work. Whether you enjoy writing articles or perfecting manuscripts, there’s a demand for your skills.
Freelance Writing: Get Paid to Write About Books
Many websites, magazines, and publishers pay for book-related content. You can write:
- Book reviews and recommendations for blogs and online publications.
- Author interviews and literary news for magazines.
- Marketing copy for publishers, including book blurbs and social media content.
If you love writing about books, this is one of the best side hustles for book lovers.
Editing Jobs: Help Authors Perfect Their Books
Indie authors need editors to refine their work. If you have a sharp eye for detail, consider:
- Proofreading – Catch typos and grammar mistakes before publishing.
- Copy editing – Ensure clarity, consistency, and correct formatting.
- Developmental editing – Help shape the story and improve the structure.
Where to Find Freelance Writing and Editing Jobs
Freelance platforms make it easy to connect with clients. Start by creating profiles on:
- Reedsy – A top site for book editors and writers.
- Fiverr & Upwork – Great for beginners looking for freelance work.
- LinkedIn – Connect with authors, publishers, and literary agencies for paid projects.
Freelance writing and editing offer flexible hours and steady income. Plus, you get to work inside the book world while helping stories come to life. If you love books and have strong language skills, this could be the perfect book side hustle for you!
Book Cover Design and Formatting Services
Indie authors need eye-catching book covers and professional formatting to sell their books. If you have graphic design skills, this book side hustle can be highly profitable. Authors are always looking for affordable, high-quality covers and well-formatted interiors.
How to Get Started with Book Cover Design
You don’t need expensive software to begin. Many designers start with:
- Canva – Great for beginners and easy to use.
- Photoshop – Offers advanced design tools for custom covers.
- Procreate – Perfect for hand-drawn or digital art covers.
Start by creating sample covers for different genres. Offer custom or pre-made covers to attract indie authors.
Book Interior Formatting: A High-Demand Service
Formatting a book for self-publishing is tricky, so many authors pay for professional formatting. Learn how to use:
- Vellum – Best for Mac users creating polished ebooks and print files.
- Atticus – A newer, affordable option for formatting.
- Scrivener – Great for structuring and exporting manuscripts.
Offering both cover design and formatting makes you more marketable.
Where to Market Your Services
Once you’re ready to sell, list your services on:
- Etsy – Sell pre-made covers and formatting packages.
- Reedsy – Connect with serious indie authors looking for professionals.
- KDP Forums – Network with self-published authors.
- Fiverr & Upwork – Find new clients and build your reputation.
Self-publishing is growing fast, and indie authors need affordable, high-quality design services. If you love books and have an eye for design, this could be a profitable and creative side hustle!
Self-Publishing Your Own Books
Self-publishing is no longer just a dream—it’s a real business and a great book side hustle. Whether you love writing fiction, creating workbooks, or designing planners, you can turn your ideas into profitable books. With the right strategy, self-publishing can become a passive income stream that pays you for years.
Fiction, Nonfiction, or Low-Content Books?
Not all books need to be full-length novels. Here are different types you can self-publish:
- Low-Content Books – Planners, journals, and workbooks require minimal writing but sell consistently.
- Fiction – Romance, fantasy, mystery, and thriller books sell well on platforms like Kindle Unlimited.
- Nonfiction – How-to guides, parenting books, and side hustle advice are in high demand.
If you’re not a writer, low-content books are a great way to make money with books without long hours of writing.
Best Platforms for Self-Publishing
Once your book is ready, you need a publishing platform. The best options include:
- Amazon KDP – The largest self-publishing platform with ebook and print-on-demand options.
- Draft2Digital – Distributes to multiple stores like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble.
- IngramSpark – Best for high-quality paperbacks and hardcovers in bookstores.
Each platform has its pros, so choose based on your book format and goals.
How to Monetize Your Self-Published Books
Making money from self-publishing requires multiple income streams:
- Ebooks – Sell on Kindle, Apple Books, or your website.
- Print-on-Demand – Let readers order physical copies without inventory costs.
- Audiobooks – Convert your book into an audiobook for extra revenue.
- Bundles & Courses – Package your book with extra content for higher profits.
Why Self-Publishing is a Smart Book Side Hustle
Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing gives you full control over pricing, royalties, and marketing. If you love books, this is one of the best side hustles for book lovers. With effort and the right strategy, it can even become a full-time business!
Start a Subscription Box or Bookish Etsy Shop
If you love creating bookish items, why not turn that passion into a profitable book side hustle? Readers adore unique, handmade products, and book subscription boxes are booming. Selling book-related products lets you make money with books in a fun, creative way.
What Bookish Products Sell Well?
Book lovers love collecting items that enhance their reading experience. Consider selling:
- Bookmarks – Handmade, magnetic, resin, or digital designs.
- Candles – Literary-themed scents inspired by popular books and characters.
- Book Sleeves – Protective fabric pouches for carrying books safely.
- Literary Prints & Stickers – Quotes, fandom art, and book-inspired designs.
These low-cost, high-demand products make it easy to start a bookish side hustle with little upfront investment.
Why Subscription Boxes Are a Great Side Hustle
Book subscription boxes are growing in popularity, and readers love themed bookish surprises. You can create:
- Genre-Specific Boxes – Fantasy, romance, thrillers, or book club picks.
- Book + Merch Boxes – A book paired with exclusive candles, prints, or bookmarks.
- Digital Subscription Boxes – Monthly book lists, printable reading trackers, or audiobook recommendations.
If you curate great items, you can build a loyal customer base and earn recurring revenue every month.
Where to Sell Your Bookish Products
Once you have products ready, choose a selling platform that fits your business:
- Etsy – Great for handmade bookish products like bookmarks and candles.
- Shopify – Best for running a custom online store for subscription boxes.
- Instagram & TikTok – Perfect for promoting bookish products and taking direct orders.
Why This Book Side Hustle Works
Readers love supporting small businesses that share their passion for books. Whether you create merch, subscription boxes, or digital products, this is one of the best side hustles for book lovers. If you enjoy crafting or curating, it’s time to start your own bookish shop!
What’s the Best Book Side Hustle for You?
Books shouldn’t just cost you money—they can make you money. Whether you love reading, writing, designing, or selling, there’s a book side hustle that fits your skills.
From reviewing books to flipping used copies, these ideas help you turn your passion into profit.
Now, it’s time to take action! Pick one or two side hustles and start today. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll see results.
Want more side hustle ideas? Stay inspired! Subscribe to the newsletter to get fresh tips and money-making strategies sent straight to your inbox every week.
Also, browse more posts on The Mom Side Hustle for the best ways to grow your income.
Which book side hustle sounds most exciting to you? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!
Jessi, a working mom turned entrepreneur, transformed her side hustle into a full-time venture post-layoff, inspiring moms to explore new financial opportunities.
