Earn Up to $100 an Hour Narrating Books
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Evan Crosby
Evan Crosby
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Oct 18
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Earn Up to $100 an Hour Narrating Books
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
I recently came across the perfect side hustle for those who enjoy reading aloud to others: Getting paid to narrate audiobooks for authors on sites like Audible and ACX.
A YouTube star named Diamond Chanel claims to make up to $100 an hour by recording audiobooks for ACX. However, most platforms do require their readers to pass an audition for each reading gig.
But if you are skilled at reading aloud, this could be a lucrative way to make money online.
Here are five companies that will pay you to record audiobooks for authors.
- Audible
Audible has the largest selection of audiobooks online. And one big reason for their success is through their partnerships with Amazon and iTunes.
So, your voice could potentially be distributed across some major distribution channels.
According to the Audible website, the signup process to become a paid narrator actually involves signing up with the second company on this list — ACX. (All audiobooks sold on Audible are recorded via the ACX platform).
- ACX
And speaking of ACX, it’s actually the leading platform online for premiere audiobook voice talent.
After registering your account, you will need to create a profile. Make sure to include any relevant experience and samples that can showcase your reading skills.
Once your profile is complete, you can begin auditioning for narrating gigs by recording a small sample (usually a few minutes) of the book’s manuscript. Upon approval, you can begin recording the entire book.
As mentioned, creating an account on ACX will give you access to recording audibooks for Audible as well. Diamond Chanel posted on her YouTube channel about making $100 an hour narrating books on ACX.
- Voices.com
Another website that claims to be the top platform for voice talent is none other than voices.com. In addition to having a huge number of reading gigs, the site will actually match you with available jobs based on your profile.
That cuts down on having to search for narrating gigs.
Signing up is simple. You will just answer a few questions and then create a profile to showcase your voice talent. In addition to authors looking to turn their books into audiobooks, there are also a number of companies that use voices.com to find voice talent for their advertisements and promos.
Therefore, this could be a side hustle that goes beyond narrating books by potentially connecting you with brands that want to use your voice.
- Bunny Studio
The first three platforms on this list don’t pay you to audition for reading jobs. However, Bunny Studio does actually pay you to audition.
Upon signing up, you will need to complete an in-depth profile that includes your narrating skills and project preferences. After you finish your profile, they will give you 48 hours to complete a trial project.
You will want to take it seriously as this is your official audition for the platform.
If your recording is accepted, you will then be able to complete a voice profile, as well as audition for jobs and get matched with opportunities from clients.
- Findaway Voices
Finally, if you are interested in lending your voice to Indie projects and self-published authors, then you should check out Findaway Voices. Just like the previous sites, you will register an account and create a profile that showcases your voice talent.
You will also be asked to select your hourly rate. This is another platform where I have read about beginners making as much as $100 an hour recording audiobooks.
If you are selected for a project, you will be asked to record a sample. And if your sample is approved, you will get to finish the narrating job.