10 Ways to Get Paid for Reading Books Aloud

Spoken Realms

Spoken Realms is a dedicated community that brings together experienced narrators with a focus on narrating a variety of content, including podcasts and audiobooks.

This platform acts as a vital connection hub, linking narrators, publishers, indie authors, sound engineers, and other audio professionals, fostering a collaborative network.

Narrators earn payment based on an hourly rate for their narration work. Additionally, depending on the specific agreement, narrators may also have the opportunity to receive a percentage of the author's royalties. This ensures a fair and mutually beneficial partnership between narrators and content creators.

Voices

Voices is a versatile freelancing platform catering to voice actors of all kinds, offering opportunities in voicemails, podcasts, commercials, and notably, audiobooks.

One of the standout features of Voices is its multi-tier subscription system, with the initial tier being completely free of charge. Upon creating a profile and sharing their talents through demo uploads, members can begin exploring and applying for available gigs. 

With Voices, all the essential aspects, including payment and project management, are expertly handled by the platform, enabling members to concentrate solely on their work and craft.

Audible (ACX)

ACX, without question, is the leading online platform designed exclusively for individuals to be paid for narrating books. Essentially, you can become members and engage in voice-over gigs to narrate books that are later made available on various platforms, including iTunes

ACX compensates its members on an hourly basis, and in addition to that, as a member you can also receive up to 20% of the book's royalties, which are divided between the author and the voice-over actor

Audible is a highly favored platform for audiobooks, podcasts, and other content, serves as a streaming service where individuals can access over 200,000 audiobooks by subscribing.

Apart from providing voice-over jobs, Audible also offers volunteer opportunities, enabling less experienced voiceover actors to enhance their portfolios and potentially secure employment with the platform.

Voice Jungle

Voice Jungle is a platform in the e-learning industry that focuses on narration and podcasts. To work for Voice Jungle, you must meet specific requirements such as having a home studio, meeting deadlines, and submitting a demo for review during the application process.

If accepted, you will gain access to a reliable client base, and payments will be processed automatically through Voice Jungle.

Voice Crafters

Voice Crafters offers a range of gigs including podcasts and interactive voice work, in addition to narrating books. However, this is a challenging role that requires at least five years of voiceover experience and your own professional audio recording equipment.

Deadlines for projects typically range between 24 and 48 hours. You will also need to already have decent examples ready to show off your work so you can start landing some projects fast. Voice Crafters is heavily focused on hustle and wait, so if you are someone who need to take their time on these types of gigs, it may not be the best platform for you. 

Mandy Voices

Similar to Voice Crafters, Mandy Voices offers various narrating gigs for individuals around the world. However, there's a catch; you need to pay a monthly fee for a premium membership, which brings many perks. Luckily, there's a 30-day free trial option, which you can use to test out this platform. To begin, simply create your profile, search for the audiobook narrating gigs, and apply for any gig you'd like.

To succeed using the Mandy Voices platform, you will need to choose popular books to read aloud, along with having a quiality microphone with, if possible, a soundproof set up. Audio editing software is also recomended as you will need to edit your own voiceovers. 

If you want to read and don't want to always be reading aloud, Freecash offers multiple surveys and products to read about and test. You can get paid for signing up for up to $100, and you can earn over $50 a day. 

Upwork

Upwork is a leading platform for freelancers, offers a wide range of job opportunities, including audiobook narration gigs. 

I personally have used Upwork to make over $10,000 extra a year by completing simple gigs like reading books aloud or even . Its super easy to use, plus its a free platform. You just need to know some of the best ways to make money online, and you will be well on your way to earning thousands a month. 

The initial step is to establish a detailed profile with relevant information, showcase a portfolio, and actively apply for audiobook narration projects. Payment rates for these gigs differ based on the specific project, but usually it settles around $30 to $40 an hour. Those with more experience have a greater chance of securing higher-paying opportunities.

Fiverr

Fiverr, similar to the previously mentioned Upwork, is a freelancing platform with some distinct features.

 Unlike Upwork, Fiverr primarily focuses on short-term gigs instead of longer projects. Its name, Fiverr, originates from the concept of earning five dollars per gig. Nevertheless, freelancers on Fiverr have the flexibility to set their own rates. Clients browsing the platform can explore available book narrators, listen to their sample recordings, and subsequently hire them for their projects.

Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is a platform where you can make money online as a freelancer, including gigs related to reading books aloud, such as narrating books or creating audiobooks. Unlike the previously mentioned platforms, this platform requires a monthly subscription, so take that into consideration before signing up.

How To Maximize Getting Paid to Read Books Aloud

To maximize your earnings from reading books aloud, there are a few crucial pointers to consider.