If you’re someone who devours books like candy and loves giving your two cents on stories, characters, and plot twists, there’s a gig out there with your name all over it—beta reading. And no, it’s not just about reading a rough draft and saying “eh, it was okay.” There’s a whole system to it, and yes, you can actually make money doing it.
Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over coffee and you just said, “Wait, you can get paid to read books?”
Okay, so what’s beta reading?
Think of beta reading as being the book world’s version of a test audience. Authors (especially self-published ones) don’t want to hit publish without making sure the story flows, the characters make sense, and the plot doesn’t fall apart halfway through. That’s where you come in.
You read their unpublished manuscript and give feedback. Not grammar stuff—that’s the editor’s job. You’re there to flag awkward pacing, plot holes, confusing scenes, or characters who act like someone totally different halfway through the book. You’re also the person who says, “Okay, this scene dragged,” or “I got goosebumps here, more of this!”
And if you’re thinking, “I love books, but I’m not some fancy editor,” don’t worry. You don’t need a degree in English lit or a publishing background. You just need to know what makes a good story, and be willing to share what’s working and what isn’t.
But how does that turn into actual money?
Good question. There are a few ways. Some authors pay for feedback straight up—flat fees, or a rate per word. For example, you might charge $50 to read a short story and give notes, or $200+ for a full novel with in-depth feedback. Others pay hourly, though that’s less common.
You can find these gigs on sites like Fiverr, Reedsy, or even just through networking in writing groups on Facebook or Reddit. And don’t forget—your own site or portfolio goes a long way if you decide to treat this like a real hustle.
Wanna see how people turn reading and writing into real income? Check out how this guy made $15,000 online without any special skills—it’s all about figuring out how to package what you’re already good at.
So how do you actually do it?
Once you land a beta reading gig, the author usually sends you a manuscript (Word doc, PDF, Google Doc—you name it) and might include a few questions or areas to focus on. Some want a general gut check: “Did the story make sense?” Others want you to go deep: “Was the character arc believable? Did the dialogue sound natural? Was Chapter 12 as boring as I think it is?”
You don’t need to write a novel in return. A few solid paragraphs of feedback per chapter can go a long way, or you can write up one longer report with all your thoughts at the end. Some readers even leave comments directly in the document.
A tip? Keep notes as you read. Don’t rely on memory—you will forget why you hated that scene in Chapter 7 if you don’t jot it down.
And just like any freelance job, communication is everything. Be upfront about how long it’ll take you. Don’t ghost halfway through. And if you’re charging money, treat it like a business, not a favor.
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Sounds great, but are there any downsides?
Yeah, like anything, there are a few. First off, it can be time-consuming. If you take on too many projects or underestimate how long a book is, it can get overwhelming fast. You gotta know your limits.
Also, not every author takes feedback well. Some get defensive. Others expect you to sugarcoat everything. That’s why it’s super important to be honest—but kind. Instead of saying “This chapter sucked,” go with “I struggled to stay engaged here—maybe it could be tightened up?”
Oh, and steer clear of anyone who asks you to leave fake reviews. That crosses the line, especially if you’re being paid for honest feedback. Your job isn’t to sell the book—it’s to help the author make it better.
Want help staying focused and productive while juggling this stuff? This post on how checklists can save your side hustle might be right up your alley. It’s not glamorous, but dang does it work.
Can beta reading help your writing?
Absolutely. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book—or already have one in progress—beta reading is basically free training. You start to recognize patterns in good storytelling, notice common mistakes, and develop a sharper eye for pacing, character arcs, and dialogue.
It’s like getting a behind-the-scenes tour of how stories work. Plus, hanging out in writing circles and giving feedback builds your network like crazy. You end up connecting with other writers, editors, and creative folks who can help you level up your own projects.
And hey, if you’re looking for more ideas on how to build those connections or even launch your own side hustle from home, check out this deep dive on how to start a home daycare side hustle. Totally different niche, but same vibes—turning everyday skills into income.
Do you need any tools to beta read?
Nothing fancy. A Google Doc with commenting turned on, or Word with Track Changes, works great. A notebook or note-taking app helps for jotting down thoughts while you’re reading. Some folks even use spreadsheets, especially if they’re juggling multiple projects.
And please—have a comfy reading setup. Good lighting, a supportive chair, maybe some noise-canceling headphones if you’re reading in a loud place. Oh, and take breaks. It’s easy to go “just one more chapter” until your eyes hate you.
But what if you hate the book?
Yep, it happens. Sometimes a story just doesn’t click. Maybe the plot is a mess, maybe the characters are flat, maybe you’re just not the target audience. That doesn’t mean your feedback isn’t helpful.
Your job is to give insights that help the author improve—not to trash the book. Even if you didn’t enjoy it, you can still point out which parts didn’t work for you and why. Keep it respectful. And if the book really isn’t your thing? It’s okay to let the author know early on and bow out. It’s better than forcing yourself through 300 pages of torture.
And if you’re curious about how this fits into the bigger publishing picture, you might want to glance at the Wikipedia page on Beta Readers to get a bit more background. It’s not required reading, but hey, it’s kinda fun to see how legit the role really is.
Should you give it a shot?
Honestly? Yes. If you love reading, enjoy helping others improve their work, and want a flexible side hustle you can do in your PJs, beta reading is worth trying. Start small. Maybe volunteer to read a story for a friend. Join a writing group. Test the waters before diving into paid gigs.
And even if it doesn’t turn into a full-blown income stream, you’ll pick up skills that carry over into other areas—writing, editing, storytelling, even communication. It’s one of those low-risk, high-reward hustles that’s seriously underrated.
So go for it. Your next side hustle might just be hiding inside your Kindle.
