Being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean you can’t carve out time to do something you love — like reading — and get paid for it. Whether you want free advance copies, small cash payments, or a way to build a review business around your family schedule, these 15 companies and platforms are excellent places to start. Think of this as a flexible, enjoyable side hustle that fits naptime and school runs — and a great way to turn your reading habit into income.
NetGalley
Description: NetGalley connects reviewers, librarians, booksellers, and educators with publishers offering advance reading copies (ARCs) in ebook or PDF form. It’s widely used by indie and traditional publishers to get early feedback and reviews.
Practical setup steps:
– Create a NetGalley reviewer account and complete your profile with reading interests and past reviewing experience.
– Request ARCs that match your niche and make sure to meet publisher review deadlines.
– Post honest reviews on NetGalley and other retail/review platforms where required.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$20 (mostly your time; optional paid upgrades for enhanced profile features).
Ready to turn an idea into practical income?
Reedsy Discovery
Description: Reedsy Discovery is a curated marketplace where indie authors and publishers list books for reviewers. Reviewers can discover quality indie titles and, in many cases, receive free copies.
Practical setup steps:
– Sign up as a Reedsy Discovery reviewer and complete your reviewer profile.
– Browse available review opportunities and claim books you can review within the required timeframe.
– Publish thoughtful reviews on Reedsy and other platforms listed by the author.
Estimated startup costs: $0.
BookSirens
Description: BookSirens helps authors promote ARCs to targeted reviewers. Reviewers can sign up, specify genres they read, and get matched with books that suit their interests.
Practical setup steps:
– Register and select your preferred genres and platforms for posting reviews.
– Accept ARC invites and download the ebook.
– Submit reviews by the deadline on the retailer platforms requested.
Estimated startup costs: $0.
BookSprout
Description: BookSprout distributes ARCs to readers and helps authors gather reviews across retailers. It’s reviewer-friendly and common in indie publishing circles.
Practical setup steps:
– Create a BookSprout account and fill out your reading preferences.
– Apply to review books and follow the author’s posting requirements.
– Leave reviews on specified retail sites.
Estimated startup costs: $0.
Kirkus Reviews
Description: Kirkus offers indie authors paid editorial reviews through their Kirkus Indie program and also hires freelance reviewers for traditional coverage. Reviews are professional and can be a good resume builder.
Practical setup steps:
– Check Kirkus’s reviewer application process or freelance listings.
– Build a portfolio of sample reviews and pitch your interest.
– Follow their editorial standards and deadlines if accepted.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$50 (minor costs for sample submissions or portfolio hosting).
OnlineBookClub
Description: OnlineBookClub provides books to reviewers and sometimes pays modest fees for completed reviews. It’s a structured community for new and experienced reviewers.
Practical setup steps:
– Join OnlineBookClub, complete any reviewer qualification quizzes, and select review opportunities.
– Read and submit your review according to site rules to qualify for paid opportunities.
Estimated startup costs: $0.
Readers’ Favorite
Description: Readers’ Favorite runs book review contests and offers reviewing opportunities. They often accept volunteer reviewers and provide visibility and feedback for reviewers.
Practical setup steps:
– Apply to be a reviewer on Readers’ Favorite and provide sample reviews.
– Use their platform to connect with authors and participate in contests.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$25 for any optional certifications or contest entry fees.
LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Description: LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program matches reviewers with publishers offering free advance copies, both physical and digital. It’s community-driven and great for niche readers.
Practical setup steps:
– Join LibraryThing and opt into Early Reviewers.
– Enter draws for the ARCs you’re interested in and, if selected, read and post an honest review.
Estimated startup costs: $0.
BookBrowse
Description: BookBrowse provides reading guides, author interviews, and previews. They work with reviewers and reader advisors and can be a good fit if you enjoy deeper, discussion-ready reviews.
Practical setup steps:
– Contact BookBrowse about reviewer openings or contribute articles that tie into book coverage.
– Subscribe to reviewer newsletters and apply for opportunities.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$30 (optional membership or submission costs).
Shelf Awareness
Description: Shelf Awareness is a trade publication for the book industry that reviews many new titles. They hire reviewers and contributors with a professional tone and reliable turnaround.
Practical setup steps:
– Build a strong reviewing portfolio and pitch to Shelf Awareness editorial contacts.
– Demonstrate knowledge of current releases and a professional reviewing voice.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$50 (portfolio hosting or coursework to polish writing).
Amazon Vine
Description: Amazon Vine invites top reviewers to receive free products, including books, in exchange for reviews. Entrance is by invitation based on reviewer ranking and helpfulness.
Practical setup steps:
– Grow your reviewer profile by posting helpful, high-quality reviews on Amazon.
– Maintain consistent activity and helpfulness ratings to increase the chance of an invitation.
Estimated startup costs: $0.
Goodreads (giveaways & review community)
Description: Goodreads is a huge community of readers; authors and publishers run giveaways and connect with reviewers. While Goodreads itself doesn’t pay, it’s a powerful discovery and credibility platform.
Practical setup steps:
– Create a complete Goodreads profile and engage in groups relevant to your favorite genres.
– Enter giveaways, request review copies when available, and post honest reviews linked to retailer pages.
Estimated startup costs: $0.
Start your own book review blog
Description: Running a blog gives you full control over your reviews, audience, and monetization (affiliate links, sponsored posts, ad revenue). It’s a longer-term path to consistent income from reading.
Practical setup steps:
– Read this guide about starting a blog to pick a niche and platform.
– Set up website hosting, choose a clean theme, and publish a few consistent review formats (short reviews, long features, lists).
– Grow traffic with Pinterest and use social media scheduling tools to keep promotion consistent.
– Monetize with affiliate links, sponsored posts, or a sales funnels strategy to sell digital products or courses.
Estimated startup costs: $50–$200 (domain, website hosting, premium theme or plugin expenses).
Upwork
Description: On Upwork you can market professional book-reviewing services to authors, publishers, and content sites. Contracts can be one-off or ongoing.
Practical setup steps:
– Create a professional profile showcasing review samples and genre expertise.
– Pitch for jobs tagged “book review,” “editing,” or “book marketing.”
– Deliver on-time, high-quality reviews and request client testimonials.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$50 (profile upgrades, sample hosting).
Fiverr
Description: On Fiverr you can create gigs offering book reviews, blurbs, or editing services at tiered prices — great for small, flexible tasks that fit mom schedules.
Practical setup steps:
– Build compelling gig descriptions highlighting turnaround, sample length, and formats.
– Offer extras (faster delivery, in-depth critique) to increase earnings.
– Promote gigs on social media and in book groups.
Estimated startup costs: $0–$25 (optional promoted gigs or gig extras).
If you want quicker, smaller earnings to fill in the gaps between reviews, consider combining this reading-based work with other flexible options like online surveys or freelancing. Many stay-at-home moms build a comfortable routine by mixing a few steady review sources with a blog or freelance gigs on marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr for consistent, flexible income.
Ready to try one? Start small—claim one ARC, write an honest review, and see how it fits into your day. Over time you can mix platforms, build a portfolio, and scale your reading passion into a reliable source of extra income.
