Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes. It has also been one of the most important skills that have helped me advance my education and career. However, if you are looking to turn this passion into profit, here are 7 jobs for those who love to read.
7 Perfect Jobs for Those Who Love to Read
1. Library or Bookstore Staff
When I was a kid, it was my dream to live in the library. Sadly, I had to settle for volunteering during summer vacation. Although it was a chore for some, it was heaven for me. Not only did I have unlimited access to all the books in the city, but I also got the first chance to borrow the latest ones as soon as they hit the shelves.
While many pursue a degree in library and information science, it is still possible to find other jobs that revolve around books. If you want to work in the library, they hire assistants to help guests, restock shelves, create promotional material for events, and lead story hours for children. The other alternative would be to look for vacancies at local bookstores. Although it can provide employment opportunities and access to books, you’ll have to be careful not to spend your entire paycheck.
2. Audiobook Narrator
Becoming an audiobook narrator is another idea for those who love reading. Audiobooks have increased in popularity in the last decade because they allow us to multitask. People can easily enjoy their favorite books while they do chores, run errands, exercise, or go about other daily activities.
But, did you know that they pay people to narrate? Although some famous personalities have made a name for themselves, they also hire regular people with excellent narration skills. You could have the opportunity to work with new authors by recording chapters or entire audiobooks. Just keep in mind that you will need quality recording equipment to get the most lucrative contracts.
3. Book Reviewer
If you already love reading, you could work as a book reviewer to share your insights and opinions with others. Those who are interested in this position can find jobs through freelance websites, online magazines, and other publishers in the industry.
And if you can’t land an official contract, you could create your own site for book reviews. This option offers more control over the content and subject matter as well. You could keep it purely for reviews, or make it a regular newsletter that focuses on new releases, best sellers, or specific genres.
If you decide to host your own blog or podcast, you could build a large following by sharing your opinions, scheduling interviews with authors, and promoting new books. However, your greatest chance of financial success is through advertising and paid subscribers. Social media presents many new opportunities. And, you never know…hosting your own site could open the door for other partnerships and sponsorships.
4. Proofreader
Once the author finishes writing, books must then go through edits, fact-checking, and proofreading. There are thousands of manuscripts submitted every day. So if you have a strong grasp of the grammar rules of the English language and an eye for detail, proofreading is one of the best jobs for people who love to read.
You could earn a decent living helping people perfect their work. This includes looking for grammatical, typographical, punctuation, formatting, and other errors as you read. Some publishers and authors will also pay extra to have it converted to e-book formatting as well.
If you’re looking for these jobs, you can start by contacting publishing houses, posting your services through freelance marketplaces, or advertising directly to the writers. Not only can you make it a full-time career, but you also get to sneak peek at material even before it’s available to the general public.
5. Tutor
For those who want to share their passion for reading, tutoring offers many benefits. In addition to helping others improve their comprehension, you also help students develop their analytical skills and gain a real appreciation for the written word. And since it is such a fundamental skill, you can choose subjects that interest you and have more say about who you work with.
Reading is a crucial component of a good education. Therefore, there are many ways to find tutoring positions. Many people will post in the online forums. But, you can also search for tutoring agencies that find students for you. And course, there’s always the old-fashioned way of asking around for references. For those committed to continuing their learning while helping others, tutoring jobs are a great way to bring in extra income.
6. Book Club Moderator
I’ve been a member of many book clubs over the years. They were usually informal meetings, which meant attendance and participation were inconsistent. But after doing some research, I’ve learned that there are more serious book clubs and jobs if you love to read. These clubs are a fun and interactive way to find other bibliophiles. And, members have more incentive to attend discussions since they are paying for it.
If you can find a job as a paid moderator, you would be responsible for researching new books, keeping notes, writing discussion questions, and leading in-person or online discussions. Your main priority is to ensure that there are always interesting topics and insights to discuss. Plus, you may be able to sell the content as course material when you are done.
7. Writer
Many avid readers dream of becoming an author someday. You probably already know dozens of people with pet projects and half-finished manuscripts. But thanks to the internet, it has become much easier to get published.
There are always opportunities for talented writers to turn their ideas into publishing deals. However, if it was easy, then everyone would be doing it. Therefore, you need to know the market you’re getting into, research the industry, and practice your craft every day to keep your skills sharp.
Most authors will tell you that the most important thing is to find your voice, then find your niche. Don’t be afraid to ask others to read your work and help you determine what can make you a stand-out author. Although it may not have been the career path you set out on, it could help you make a living by doing what you love.
Bonus Job: Flip Vintage Comics Books
The biggest comic book fans today don’t even read comic books. While it helps to know something about comic book culture to flip comic books, you don’t have to be an expert.
The collectibles market experiences temporary surges whenever a new superhero film is announced. You still need to make connections and know which auction and social media marketplace site to use for your benefit. But there is a demand for old comic books that you can take advantage of as comic book film hype continues.
Regularly check the market value of your comics for free on an online comic book price guide. Then, you can hustle to sell them.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.
