Can I Really Get Paid to Read Books Aloud?
Yes, you can indeed get paid to read books aloud, and such an opportunity typically falls under the category of voiceover work, where narrators are used for audiobooks. Publishers and audiobook production companies regularly look for voices that can bring their books to life. With the rising popularity of audiobooks, there's a growing demand for engaging and eloquent narrators. There are dedicated voiceover platforms, as well as freelancing platforms, where voiceover actors can find a job.
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.
- Invest in quality recording equipment and a silent workspace to produce clear and professional audio.
- Continuously improving your narration skills, such as pacing, enunciation, and character voices, can also make you more attractive to potential employers.
- Building a diverse portfolio and showcasing various genres and styles can help attract a wider range of projects.
- Market your narrating services by using social media alongside networking at industry events and online forums.
- Utilize multiple different platforms and sites to maximize your chances of getting narrating opportunities.
Top Sites to Get Paid to Read 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. The platform acts as a vital connection hub, linking narrators, publishers, indie authors, sound engineers, and other audio professionals, fostering a collaborative network.
At Spoken Realms, 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.
Vo Planet
VOPlanet is a platform that partners with various professional voice-over actors, offering extensive support to help them secure voice-over jobs. The platform has simplified the entire process, allowing members to either post a job or apply for one with ease. With a broad spectrum of voice-acting categories available, narrating audiobooks is one of VOPlanet's key offerings. Although it requires an annual subscription, a significant benefit is that VOPlanet does not take a percentage of members' earnings, providing greater financial flexibility and support.
Audiobook Creative Exchange (ACX)
ACX, without question, is the leading online platform designed exclusively for individuals to be paid for narrating books. Essentially, individuals 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, members can also receive up to 20% of the book's royalties, which are divided between the author and the voice-over actor.
Audible
Audible, 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.
Mandy Voices
Similarly, 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.
Voice 123
Voice 123 is quite a demanding platform since its members are required to have previous experience in voice narrating. This platform operates globally and connects voice narrators with various clients - including those that offer narrating audiobooks. Before starting on this platform, you need to fill out the questionnaire, after which you will be able to apply for jobs. What's great is that you won't need to pay any memberships on this platform.
Additional Websites for Freelance Audiobook Narrators
Upwork
Upwork, the leading platform for freelancers, offers a wide range of job opportunities, including audiobook narration gigs. To achieve success on Upwork, 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, and individuals 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.
FAQ
How much do audiobook narrators get paid?
Audiobook narrator payment can vary based on factors like experience, project length, and royalty options. On average, beginner narrators earn between $10 and $100, while more experienced narrators can expect to earn between $100-$400 per finished hour of audio.
How do I get paid by Audible?
To get paid by Audible for narrating audiobooks, you need to go through the Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX) platform. ACX serves as the intermediary between publishers, authors, and narrators. First, you need to sign up with ACX and create a profile. Once you have a profile, you can audition for available audiobook projects. If selected, you will negotiate terms with the rights holder, including payment options and royalty rates. Audible pays narrators through ACX, and payments are typically made through direct deposit or wire transfer.
Does Amazon pay you to read books?
While Amazon itself doesn't directly pay individuals to read books, it owns Audible and ACX, which are the platforms through which narrators can receive payment for audiobook projects. Audible serves as the audiobook distribution platform, and ACX facilitates the production process and payment for narrators.
