9 Legit Ways to Get Paid for Reading Books Aloud

Charlee AnthonyAnthony Clement
Written by Charlee Anthony, reviewed by Anthony Clement
6 min read
Updated May 5, 2026

While you thought reading books could make you money was a crazy way to make money, you can also earn thousands a month by reading books aloud as a voiceover editor and recorder. I have found the top 8 most used platforms where you can easily find gigs to read aloud; from beginner friendly to professional.

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.

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Spoken Realms $40-$50 24 hours to a week mic, recording software, studio

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.

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed 
Voices $10 to $70 depending on experience One to two months depending on experience mic, recording software

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.

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Audible (ACX) $20-$30/Hour 3-4 Weeks Mic, soundproofing, recording software

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

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Voice Jungle $20-$30/Hour 1 week Home studio, mic, recording software

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

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Voice Crafters $100-$500/Project 24 to 48 hours Mic and recording software

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

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Many Voices $40-$50/hour A few days to weeks Mic and recording software

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 $10 for just signing up, and you can earn up to $2,500 playing one of your favorite games. 

Upwork

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

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Upwork $30-$40 1 week  None

I personally have used and would recommend Upwork to earn extra income. I made over $10,000 extra a year by completing simple gigs like reading books aloud or writing. 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 is similar to Upwork, as a freelancing platform with some distinct features, where you can set your own rates.

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Fiverr $5 to $50+ per project Days to weeks mic, noise reduction tools

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. However, you can still set your own rates above $5 once you get in some experience. In fact, I would encourage you to raise your prices as you get better, to show you provide more value. Fiverr is definitely worth it if you keep up with the platform and follow the pricing algorithms. 

Clients browsing the platform can explore available book narrators, listen to their sample recordings, and subsequently hire them for their projects.

Freelancer

Freelancer 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.

Platform Pay Range Time to Start Earning Equipment Needed
Freelancer $20-$70/Hour Days to weeks mic, soundproofing, editing software

Freelancer is a bit tough to break into, with a rather large competition and more complicated system that requires a lot of time to get used to compared to other platforms. For beginners, I wouldnt really recommend it. Unless you are testing out all platforms and want to make the most from your reading aloud experience. 

Unlike the previously mentioned platforms, this platform requires a monthly subscription, so take that into consideration before signing up. You can easily pay off your subscription for Freelancer though by playing games and testing out new products on Freecash. Its easy, you can your favorite mobile games. 

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