For a long time, I felt stuck in the same cycle many people fall into when looking for a side hustle.
I tried things that promised easy money. Surveys, reward apps, random online tasks. At first, they seemed fine. Even exciting. But over time, something didn’t feel right. The work became repetitive, annoying, and honestly… draining.
I realized something important:
If I’m going to spend my free time earning extra money, I should at least enjoy what I’m doing.
That’s when I stopped chasing “quick cash” ideas and started looking for something that actually matched who I am.
I’ve always loved reading.
I’ve always loved writing.
Books have been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
So when I stumbled across a side hustle built around those two things, it felt almost too perfect.
Discovering a Side Hustle That Felt Natural
I didn’t discover this opportunity by searching for ways to make money.
It happened naturally.
As an author, I had submitted several of my own books to a review platform called Reader’s Favorite. Like most authors, I hoped for reviews — but I knew not every book gets selected. Some of mine weren’t chosen. A few were.
When they were reviewed, I was genuinely impressed. The feedback was thoughtful, detailed, and respectful. You could tell real readers were behind those reviews — people who cared about books, not just earning a few dollars.
At the time, I didn’t think much about it beyond appreciation.
But later, I learned something interesting.
Those reviewers weren’t just volunteers.
They were getting paid.
Becoming a Reviewer Instead of Just an Author
That idea stuck with me.
I already spent a lot of time reading.
I already enjoyed writing opinions about books.
Why not turn that habit into something productive?
So I decided to apply as a reviewer.
There was no upfront cost.
No buying books.
No complicated setup.
Once accepted, I gained access to a wide selection of books across different genres. I could choose what interested me — which alone made this feel different from other side hustles I had tried.
In my first two weeks, I read several books I genuinely enjoyed. There was no pressure to rush. No one forcing me to read something I hated. And when I sat down to write the reviews, it didn’t feel like work.
It felt like sharing thoughts I already had.
Why This Side Hustle Actually Works for the Right Person
Let’s be clear — this is not a “get rich quick” opportunity.
The pay is modest.
But that’s not the point.
What makes this side hustle special is predictability and enjoyment.
You know what you’re earning for each review.
You don’t need to invest money.
You don’t need to market yourself.
You don’t need to chase clients.
You simply read, think, and write.
For someone who already enjoys books, that’s a rare combination.
And there’s something deeply satisfying about helping authors. Writing a thoughtful review feels like giving back — especially if you’ve ever been on the other side, waiting and hoping someone reads your work.
More Than Just Reviews
One of the things that surprised me was that reviewing books wasn’t the only way to earn.
There are opportunities to write articles about:
- Writing
- Self-publishing
- The creative process
- Author tips and experiences
If you enjoy sharing insights or lessons learned, this adds another income stream — still within the same world of reading and writing.
They even offer monthly giveaways, which adds a fun, community-driven element that most side hustles completely lack.
It doesn’t feel transactional.
It feels collaborative.
The Hidden Value People Don’t Talk About
Beyond money, this side hustle gave me something unexpected.
Structure.
It gave me a reason to read regularly.
A reason to think critically.
A reason to improve my writing.
Over time, I noticed my reviews became clearer. More thoughtful. More confident. That skill transfers into other areas of life — blogging, content creation, even professional communication.
Not every side hustle improves you as a person.
This one does.
Who This Side Hustle Is Perfect For
This isn’t for everyone.
If you hate reading, you’ll burn out quickly.
If you rush through books, it won’t work.
If you don’t enjoy writing, it will feel like a chore.
But if you:
- Love books
- Enjoy expressing opinions
- Like working independently
- Prefer calm, focused work
Then this kind of side hustle feels almost effortless.
It fits into your life instead of taking over your life.
A Realistic Perspective
I think it’s important to be honest.
You won’t replace your full-time income overnight.
You won’t become rich from reviews alone.
But you can earn steady, predictable extra money doing something you genuinely enjoy.
And sometimes, that’s worth more than chasing the next “big thing” that leaves you exhausted and frustrated.
Final Thoughts
The best side hustles aren’t always the loudest or trendiest.
Sometimes they’re quiet. Simple. Personal.
If you’re someone who already spends hours reading and writing — why not let that passion work for you?
Not every hustle has to feel like hustle.
Some can feel like home.
