Top 10 Platforms to Get Paid for Reading Audiobooks

Have you ever found comfort in the pages of a good book? For me, reading has always been more than just a hobby—it’s my little escape from the chaos of everyday life. Whether I’m learning something new or simply winding down after a long day, there’s something magical about getting lost in the world of words.

But here’s the exciting part: did you know you can actually get paid to read books? It might sound too good to be true, but trust me, it’s not. One of the most rewarding ways to turn your love for reading into income is by narrating audiobooks!

If this sounds like your dream gig, you’re in luck! I’ve put together a list of the 10 best places where you can get paid to read audiobooks and start turning your love for reading into a side hustle—or even a full-time career.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn from qualifying purchases at NO extra cost to you.

How to Get Started Reading Audiobooks

Getting paid to read audiobooks is as simple as reading a book out loud while recording yourself. Your job is to transform written text into an engaging audio experience, making it accessible to listeners.

To start, you’ll need some basic equipment: a quality microphone, a computer or laptop, audio recording software, and headphones. A quiet, soundproof space is also essential to ensure clear recordings with minimal background noise.

But it’s not just about having the right tools. Successful audiobook narration takes skill and practice. While a pleasant voice helps, you’ll need excellent pronunciation, clear diction, and the ability to convey emotions through tone, pitch, and pacing. This includes adapting your voice to bring different characters and scenes to life.

A great example of mastery in this craft is Emily Zoo Weller, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile Magazine in 2020. Her talent for embodying diverse characters and narratives highlights the level of skill and versatility required to excel as an audiobook narrator.

How Much Do Audiobook Narrators Get Paid? 

When you’re just starting out, you’ll likely sign up with online platforms to gain experience. These companies typically pay per project, often based on a set rate per finished hour (PFH) of audio. In some cases, you might also negotiate a deal to earn a share of royalties or profits from the audiobook.

The term “per finished hour rate” refers to payment based on the final length of the completed audio, not the total time spent producing it. For example, if you’re offered $100 per finished hour and the audiobook runs eight hours, you’ll earn $800 for the project, regardless of the hours worked.

For beginners, PFH rates typically range from $50 to $100. Experienced narrators, however, can command several hundred dollars per finished hour, depending on their expertise. Celebrities narrating audiobooks often earn even higher rates due to their name recognition and fan base.

If you opt for royalty or profit sharing, your upfront earnings may be lower. However, if the audiobook becomes successful, your income could grow significantly—potentially earning up to 25% of the total profits generated by the title.

Learn to Get Paid for Reading Audiobooks for Free

If you want to learn more about how to get paid for reading audiobooks, I highly recommend Julie Eickhoff’s free Intro to Voice Overs Course. With years of experience as a professional voice artist, Julie has successfully worked on a wide range of projects, including eLearning modules, web videos, movie theater ads, radio and TV commercials, and more.

This course is a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the exciting world of voiceover work from home.

Sign up with Intro to Voice Overs for FREE here.

10 Best Places to Get Paid to Read Audiobooks

Ever thought about getting paid to read audiobooks? It’s easier than you think! Many online platforms offer opportunities for audiobook narration. Here’s a list of the best places to start your journey:

1. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a popular job search platform that connects freelancers with remote and flexible work opportunities, including audiobook narration gigs. When you sign up for FlexJobs, you can browse through various job listings and find companies that are looking for talented people who can read audiobooks.

FlexJobs is known for having a thorough vetting process, so you can rest assured that you’ll be working with legitimate companies that will pay fairly for your time and talent. That’s why I highly recommend FlexJobs as your go-to resource for finding legitimate audiobook narration jobs. 

Keep in mind, however, that there is a monthly fee of $15 to access the site. While this may seem like a downside at first, think about the potential future earnings you could make by reading audiobooks. This small investment in your career could lead to big returns down the line.

 FlexJobs is my recommended job site for flexible, work-from-home jobs. Get an exclusive discount of up to 30 percent off with the promo code FLEXLIFE.

2. Voice Jungle 

If you’re up for another option, you should definitely check out Voice Jungle.

Voice Jungle focuses on creating audiobooks for e-learning and providing voiceovers for podcasts. Open to both beginners and experienced narrators, this platform requires you to have a home studio and the ability to complete projects quickly, sometimes within 24 hours.

Voice Jungle eliminates the need for constant auditions—they contact you directly for paid gigs.This convenience allows you to spend more time honing your craft and less time searching for opportunities. 

Even more impressive in that they do not require voice talents to pay sign-up fees. And to top it off, they ensure prompt payment once a client’s order has been completed.

3. Voice Crafters

Voice Crafters is another reputable site that hires people to read and record audiobooks. 

Voice Crafters stands out for its inclusivity, welcoming non-native English speakers to narrate books in various languages like Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin.

However, you’ll need at least five years of experience in audiobook narration or voiceover work and professional recording equipment. Payments are straightforward—once your recording is approved, you’ll receive your earnings quickly.

4. The Voice Realm

The Voice Realm is one of the best places to get paid for reading audiobooks, boasting over 100,000 successful projects. While selective in choosing talent, they prioritize experienced narrators with high-quality audio and the ability to follow directions.

To increase your chances, you can pay a monthly fee to audition for jobs. This platform is ideal for those looking to turn audiobook narration into a full-time career.

5. Spoken Realms

If you have a flair for narrating stories, Spoken Realms may be the perfect place for you. Not only can you get paid for reading audiobooks, but you can also connect with other professional storytellers and expand your network.  

The company prides itself on being one of the top creators of audiobooks for popular platforms like Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. They work with indie authors and specialize in various genres, including fantasy and romance. Whether you’re into magical adventures or love stories, Spoken Realms offer a chance for you to showcase your voice in whatever genre you enjoy.

With their flexible royalty arrangements, you can make sure you’re getting the compensation you deserve. This is especially beneficial for seasoned storytellers who want to maximize their earnings.

6. Voices

Ever dreamed of lending your voice to big-name brands like Shopify and The History Channel? If so, Voices is the perfect platform for you to showcase your talent! Voices offers amazing opportunities for aspiring audiobook narrators to work with top companies in the industry.

To get started, all you need to do is record a few high-quality demos and audio samples. These recordings will serve as your portfolio, showcasing your talents and versatility as a narrator. Once you have your demos ready, create a Voices profile to upload them and start looking for open job opportunities. 

The pay for each job may differ, but it is possible to earn anywhere between $200 and $300 for every hour of audio narrative that you complete.

7. Findaway Voices

Findaway Voices is a platform designed to connect audiobook narrators with authors and publishers, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced narrators. It caters to popular platforms like Google, Apple Books, Audible, and more, providing wide-reaching exposure for your work.

One of the standout features of Findaway Voices is its streamlined process. Unlike traditional platforms where you must audition for each project, Findaway Voices matches you with projects that align with your unique voice and narration style. This saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on delivering high-quality performances.

Additionally, Findaway Voices offers narrators the ability to set their own rates per finished hour (PFH). This means you have complete control over your earnings, without the need to negotiate rates with clients. By setting your own prices, you can tailor your workload and income to meet your goals, whether you’re pursuing audiobook narration as a side hustle or a full-time career.

With its user-friendly approach and commitment to helping narrators succeed, Findaway Voices is a fantastic platform to grow your audiobook narration business.

8. Brilliance Audio

Brilliance Audio is one of the top audiobook publishers in the US, known for producing high-quality audiobooks of bestsellers in all genres. It has been around since 1984 and is now owned by Amazon. 

One of the great things about Brilliance Audio is that they are open to new voices, so you don’t need to be a professional narrator to get started. If you’re just starting out as an audiobook narrator, the platform offers helpful tips to improve your narration skills.

To join Brilliance Audio, all you need to do is visit their website and send in an application via email.

9. Audio Creative Exchange (ACX)

ACX is a popular platform where you can sign up as a narrator and audition for audiobook projects. They are known for producing high-quality audiobooks for Audible, which is the gold standard in the audiobook industry.

To get started with ACX, all you need to do is create a profile and upload samples of your voice-acting work. This will give them an idea of your skills and if you’re a good fit for their platform. 

When it comes to earnings, ACX gives you a few options. You can choose to be paid a flat rate for your work or receive royalties based on sales. 

With fixed rate payments, you can set your desired rate anywhere from $50 to $1000 per project. If you have experience in the industry, you can even charge a premium rate for your services. Alternatively, you can go for royalties. You can choose a 50% split, where you receive half of the royalties while the other half goes to the owners of the books.

10. Fiverr

If you have ever worked as a freelancer before, you might have heard of Fiverr. Fiverr is an online marketplace that connect freelancers and businesses that need their services.

Fiverr allows you to create your own profile and offer your audiobook narration services. You can choose the type of books you want to narrate, set your rates, and market yourself as you see fit.

The process of signing up is simple. Simply head to their website’s homepage and click on the join button. From there, you’ll be prompted to fill out some basic information like your name, email address, and payment details.

The best part is that there is no sign-up fee to create an account on Fiverr. However, Fiverr will take a 20% commission on your earnings. Make sure to factor this into your pricing strategy.

Final Thoughts

Getting paid to read audiobooks is a fun and fulfilling way to earn money while showcasing your creativity. With dedication and practice, you can turn this into a rewarding side hustle—or even a full-time career. Start honing your skills, explore these platforms, and who knows? Your voice could bring stories to life for audiences around the world.