Can You Get Paid To Read Books Aloud? (5 Narration Sites)

Getting Paid To Read Books Aloud

The popularity of audiobooks has never been higher than it currently is, which is why numerous companies are searching for people who can read books aloud. Those interested in such job opportunities can earn money while working remotely from anywhere in the world. And if you’re a book lover, you’ll find this job enjoyable. 

So, if you’re deciding to showcase your talent by reading books aloud, here are certain things that can help you make the most of this job. They are as follows:  

1. Acting Skills

A background in acting can provide you with some knowledge and skill required for audiobook narration. The reason is that the narrator has to play the part of various characters appearing in books and narrate the story in an engaging manner to grab listeners’ attention. 

2. The Ability To Change Voices

Apart from playing the part of multiple characters, an audiobook narrator may have to switch between various accents and voices. The ability to change voices is a skill that only a few are blessed with. As a matter of fact, only people good at making impressions are deemed suitable for the task.  

3. Writing Skills 

You may be confused about why writing skills are required to become an audiobook narrator. The reason is that good writing skills open up another avenue for getting paid. You can earn more by writing book reviews and then reading them aloud as audiobooks. 

Many people prefer listening to reviews before purchasing an audiobook, so you can earn more money if your writing skills are exceptional.  

4. Using The Right Platforms

Several companies offer payment for reading books aloud, but knowing which ones are suitable for you is important. Using the right platform can not only help you earn a decent amount, but it also reduces the chances of getting scammed. Additionally, such platforms provide a great experience that can come in handy later.  

But finding the right platform isn’t an easy task, which is why we’ve prepared a list of the best sites where you can make money as an audiobook narrator.

How Much Money Can You Earn By Reading Books Aloud?

There is no standard payment rate in this gig, which is why the amount you make will vary widely from platform to platform. That said, most platforms make payments per finished hour, so you are paid only for complete recordings, though this does not affect how much you can actually earn.

Even beginners can make at least $50 per finished hour, while experienced voice actors can make as much as $400 for the same period. But this depends on several factors, such as the experience level, the platform, the length of the audiobook, and others. 

On platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, you can negotiate and decide on the rate with the client. This will generally depend upon the number of projects that you, as a narrator, are expected to complete. On websites like Voice123 or ACX, factors like the publisher you work for, qualifications, and experience will determine the payment rate.   

Do You Need Special Equipment To Get Paid To Read Books Aloud?

The best thing about getting paid to read books aloud is that you can do this from home without making a lot of investment. However, you’ll have to use proper audio equipment while recording to make sure that the recordings meet proper quality standards. Apart from a quiet workspace, a computer, and an internet connection, you may need the following equipment:

1. Microphone

While most computers and tablets have built-in microphones, these generally do not produce clear sound without the interference of background noise. So, you should get a good-quality microphone to make sure that your voice is crisp and clear in the recording. 

2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)

For individuals who are serious about making this their full-time career, investing in a DAW is highly recommended. This is software that allows you to record, edit, mix, and master audio easily with the help of a computer. 

3. Shock Mount

The purpose of a shock mount is to block out vibrations caused by mic movement during recordings. One of the best things about having a shock mount is that it ensures cleaner audio that is free of even the tiniest disturbances. 

Top 5 Narration Sites Where You Can Get Paid To Read Books Aloud

Additional Websites Offering Audiobook Narration Jobs

Aside from the five websites mentioned above, there are several others that offer similar opportunities and are worth checking out. They are as follows: 

Some Additional Ways To Get Paid To Read Books Aloud

Signing up on an audio content platform and recording audiobooks is the most common way to make money in this arena. But there are some other ways that you can try out as well.

1. Starting A YouTube Channel

For book lovers, creating a YouTube channel is another way by which they can make money. They can discuss various books and read them to their audience, and such individuals are known as booktubers. 

However, you must avoid reading best-selling books on your channel, as that can lead to legal problems. To prevent that, booktubers generally summarize the gist of the book instead of reading it directly. 

YouTube also provides an excellent platform to practice your voice acting skills, which can be helpful if you want to work as a full-time audiobook narrator. 

2. Review Books Through Podcasts

Another excellent way to kickstart your voice-acting career is through podcasts, which have become very popular in recent years. You can review nonfiction or fiction books and earn money from sponsored content and advertising. 

People listen to podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud, and many other platforms every day, so the opportunity of making money is huge. And podcasts can even be used to spread the word about your content on different platforms. 

3. Start Blogging About Books

You must already be aware that blogging is an excellent source of making money. But what most people do not know is that blogs can even be used to share audio content, which makes them ideal for voice actors and audiobook narrators. 

Furthermore, you can use blogs to start book clubs or review books, but it doesn’t have to be limited to that. Unlike audio content platforms, you have full control over the content on your blog and can use it to share whatever you want. 

Like, you can create tutorials and courses about voice acting or other topics and share them on the blog to help others. 

4. Using Social Media Platforms

To be able to make money online as a voice actor, it is important to get noticed. And the best way to get noticed is to make use of social media platforms. You can post audio clips and content on such platforms using the right hashtags. 

Businesses searching for voice talent often use such platforms, so your likelihood of getting noticed is high. Or, you might be contacted by authors directly who are looking for someone to narrate their books. 

Useful Tips To Help You Get Paid By Reading Books Aloud

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind that can help you earn well by reading books aloud. 

1. Selecting A Niche

One of the most important things to do when starting out is to select a particular niche to work in. Selecting a niche will make it easier to decide which books you would like to read. This, in turn, will help you produce high-quality content on time. 

2. Investing In Good Audio Equipment

Most reputable platforms that hire voice talents have certain quality standards that every artist must meet to start working as an audiobook narrator. And to produce high-quality demos and samples, you need professional audio equipment. This does not mean spending thousands of dollars, as even a good-quality microphone may just be enough.

3. Recording In The Right Environment

Another factor that affects the quality of audio recordings is the environment in which you record. To ensure good quality, make sure to record in an area with very little to no background noise. This will result in clear, high-quality audio files while reducing the time you spend editing them. 

4. Begin With A Single Platform

When you’re just starting, focus on a single platform instead of signing up on multiple ones. This will make it easy for you to understand how the process works, and you’ll be able to manage clients more efficiently and keep track of work. After working for a few years, when you gain experience, you’ll be able to handle multiple accounts on various platforms without any issues. 

5. Ensure Proper Care Of Your Voice

Most websites also have certain requirements regarding voice quality, so you need to take proper care of your vocal cords. To do that, keep yourself hydrated at all times and consume teas with marshmallow or licorice root because they are known to soothe the throat.

Final Thoughts 

With the large number of platforms offering content like audiobooks, becoming an audiobook narrator can be one of the most exciting and satisfying jobs. And the scope for earning well is tremendous in this sphere, which is why more and more people are becoming voice actors. 

The best thing is that you need not go through any formal training to become an audiobook narrator. Initially, it may take some time to build a reputation as an audiobook narrator, but once you make a mark, you’ll earn much more than you did as a starter. 

So, working as an audiobook narrator might be the perfect job for those who enjoy reading books.