Book-Related Side Hustles: Creative Ways to Turn Your Love for Books Into Income

If you’re anything like us, books aren’t just something you read - they’re a way of life! But did you know your love for books could also help you earn some extra cash? Whether you’re always hunting for second-hand treasures, love talking about your favourite reads, or have a creative streak that brings books to life in new ways, there are so many ways to turn your passion into a fun and rewarding side hustle.

With so many online platforms and communities out there, it’s never been easier to make money doing what you love. From flipping books and blogging to designing literary-inspired products, we’re here to guide you through all the best ways to turn your book obsession into income. Let’s dive in!

1. Resell Books for Profit - How to Find and Flip Second-Hand Books

Reselling books is an exciting way to make money while indulging in your love of book hunting. Here’s how to get started:

Where to Find Books:

• Charity Shops & Second-Hand Bookstores: Hidden gems can often be found on the shelves of charity shops, and many book lovers donate quality books they no longer need.
• Car Boot Sales & Estate Sales: Sometimes people sell valuable books without knowing their worth - perfect for a savvy book lover! Arriving early increases your chances of grabbing the best finds.
• Library Clear-Out Sales: Libraries regularly sell older books at a fraction of their value, and some of these can be highly sought after by collectors or students.
• Online Marketplaces: Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and even eBay can have fantastic book deals. Many sellers offer bulk discounts if you buy multiple books at once.

Books That Sell Well:

• Textbooks: These can be worth big money, especially around school and university terms. Many students look for second-hand books to save money.
• Rare & First Editions: Some collectors will pay top prices for first printings, signed copies, or books that are out of print.
• Popular Fiction & Non-Fiction: Bestsellers and trending books, especially those in high-demand genres like self-help, fantasy, and true crime, often sell quickly.
• Signed Copies: Books signed by authors hold special value and can command higher resale prices.

Essential Tools for Reselling:

• Book Scanners & Pricing Apps: Apps like WeBuyBooks, ScoutIQ or BookScouter can help you determine resale prices instantly by scanning barcodes.
• Trend Tracking: Stay updated on trending books and book club favourites by following online book communities and bestseller lists.

Where to Sell Books:

• WeBuyBooks: If you want a fast and hassle-free way to sell books in bulk, WeBuyBooks is a fantastic option. Simply scan your books, get an instant valuation, and send them in for quick payment! You can also get a bespoke price for rare books too.
• Other sites: Amazon, eBay Facebook Marketplace & Local Groups

Learn more about selling second hand books for profit

2. Start a Book Blog

A book blog is a fantastic way to share your love for reading while creating a reliable income stream. Whether you want to write in-depth reviews, share reading lists, or discuss literary trends, a blog allows you to build a dedicated audience over time.

How to Get Started:

• Choose a niche – book reviews, author interviews, literary analysis, or book-related lifestyle content.
• Set up your blog using platforms like WordPress, Blogger, or Medium.
• Write engaging, well-researched content that keeps readers coming back.
• Use SEO (search engine optimisation) techniques to ensure your blog ranks well on Google.
• Promote your blog through social media and book forums.

Ways to Make Money:

• Join affiliate marketing programmes like Amazon Associates or Bookshop.org.
• Work with publishers for sponsored reviews and collaborations.
• Use Google AdSense or Mediavine to monetise your blog with ads.
• Offer exclusive content through Patreon or email newsletters.

For inspiration, check out some of our favourite book bloggers in the UK:

Top 5 UK Book Bloggers:

1. The Literary Edit – A beautifully curated blog celebrating all things literary.
2. The Book Smugglers – Featuring insightful book reviews and industry news.
3. Bookish Chat – Focuses on contemporary fiction and author interviews.
4. Lucy the Reader – A passionate YA book blogger with a love for classics.
5. Adventures With Words– Covering literary fiction, book events, and industry trends.

3. Start a Book Social Media Page (YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok)

Social media platforms offer a dynamic way to share your love of books in a more interactive format. Whether you enjoy making short-form videos, aesthetically pleasing book photography, or long-form discussions, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can help you connect with thousands of book lovers worldwide.

How to Get Started:

• Choose your preferred platform based on your content style – TikTok for short, engaging videos (BookTok), Instagram for beautiful book photography (Bookstagram), or YouTube for longer book discussions.
• Create high-quality, consistent content with a unique style.
• Use hashtags and trends to boost visibility and reach a larger audience.
• Engage with your followers through comments, Q&A sessions, and live discussions.

Ways to Make Money:

• Earn ad revenue through YouTube’s Partner Programme.
• Get sponsored deals from publishers and bookish brands.
• Offer paid promotions for authors looking to market their books.
• Create and sell your own book-themed merchandise.
• Monetise exclusive content.

4. Offer Freelance Book-Related Services

If you have a knack for editing, an eye for design, or a love for reading manuscripts before they hit the shelves, freelancing in the book industry could be a perfect fit. Many authors, publishers, and students seek help from skilled freelancers to refine their work.

Freelance Opportunities:

• Proofreading & Editing: Help aspiring authors polish their manuscripts or assist students in refining their academic papers. Publishers and self-published writers often seek professionals to ensure their books are error-free.
• Beta Reading: Offer feedback on unpublished books before they reach the market. Beta readers play a crucial role in shaping final drafts by providing insights on plot, pacing, and character development.
• Book Cover Design: If you have graphic design skills, you can create compelling book covers for indie authors and publishing houses. A strong book cover significantly impacts sales and reader engagement.

Where to Find Freelance Gigs:

• Fiverr & Upwork: These platforms allow freelancers to list their services and connect with clients worldwide.
• Reedsy: A freelancer marketplace specifically designed for publishing professionals.
• PeoplePerHour & Freelancer: Ideal for finding short-term and long-term projects related to books and publishing.
• Social Media & Personal Websites: Many freelancers build a brand through Instagram, LinkedIn, or personal portfolio sites to attract direct clients.

Tips for Success

• Build a portfolio showcasing past work and client testimonials.
• Offer competitive pricing when starting out to gain experience and reviews.
• Network within writing and book communities for potential opportunities.
• Keep refining your skills by staying updated with industry trends.
• Freelancing in the book world is not only a flexible way to earn money but also a deeply fulfilling way to contribute to the literary landscape.

5. Sell Custom Bookish Merchandise

If you have a creative flair, selling book-inspired merchandise is a fantastic way to earn money while celebrating literature. Book lovers adore themed products, from beautifully designed bookmarks to literary-themed tote bags, mugs, and even clothing.

Popular Bookish Products to Sell:

• Bookmarks: Handmade, digital, or personalised bookmarks are a must-have for avid readers.
• Tote Bags & Mugs: Designs featuring book quotes, literary characters, or reading-themed artwork are always in demand.
• Stickers & Pins: Affordable and popular among book lovers for decorating laptops, notebooks, and more.
• T-Shirts & Hoodies: Apparel featuring clever book-related sayings, minimalist literary designs, or fan art appeals to a wide audience.
• Reading Journals & Notebooks: Many readers enjoy tracking their books and thoughts in custom-designed journals.

Where to Sell Your Merchandise:

• Etsy: One of the most popular platforms for handmade and niche products, perfect for bookish merchandise.
• Your Own E-Commerce Store: Platforms like Shopify and BigCartel offer more control over branding and sales.
• Social Media Marketplaces: Instagram Shops and Facebook Marketplace can help boost visibility and sales.

Successful Bookish Merch Sellers

Many small businesses have built thriving brands around book-themed merchandise. Examples include:

• LitJoy Crate: A subscription box featuring exclusive book-inspired items.
• Evie Seo (EvieBookish on Etsy): A well-known seller of stunning bookish prints and accessories.
• Book Beau: A business that started with book sleeves and expanded into multiple book-related accessories.

Tips for Success

• Research trends in bookish communities (BookTok, Bookstagram, BookTube) to identify what’s popular.
• Invest in high-quality designs and materials to stand out.
• Use social media to promote your store and engage with book lovers.
• Offer seasonal or limited-edition collections to create excitement.

Selling bookish merchandise is not only a profitable side hustle but also a way to connect with a passionate reading community and turn your creativity into a sustainable business.

6. Write and Self-Publish Books

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming an author, self-publishing is a fantastic way to bring your stories to life and earn money in the process. Whether you want to write fiction, poetry, or non-fiction, there are multiple platforms that allow you to publish without the need for a traditional publishing house.

Where to Publish Your Book:

• Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon’s self-publishing platform allows you to publish in eBook and paperback formats with no upfront costs.
• IngramSpark: A great option for authors wanting wider distribution, including bookshops and libraries.
• Draft2Digital: A user-friendly platform that helps distribute eBooks to various retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

Tips for Success:

• Invest in professional editing and cover design to ensure your book stands out.
• Optimise your book’s metadata, including title, keywords, and description, for better visibility.
• Market your book using social media, email newsletters, and book promotion sites.
• Consider running a pre-order campaign to generate buzz before launch.

Self-publishing provides control over your work and allows you to earn royalties while building your brand as an author.

7. Host Virtual or In-Person Book Clubs

Hosting a book club is not only a great way to connect with fellow book lovers, but it can also be a profitable side hustle! Whether virtual or in-person, book clubs can generate income through membership fees, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.

Ways to Monetise a Book Club:

• Charge a small membership fee for exclusive access to discussions and curated reading lists.
• Partner with publishers and book subscription services for sponsorships.
• Use affiliate links when recommending books, earning a commission on purchases.

Examples of Successful Book Clubs:

• Reese’s Book Club: Founded by Reese Witherspoon, this club has grown into a global community with brand partnerships.
• Oprah’s Book Club: One of the most influential book clubs, with selected books frequently becoming bestsellers.

Starting a book club is a fulfilling way to bring people together and share a love for reading while earning an income. You don’t need to be a celebrity to start a profitable book club either - although it always helps to have a good social media following.

8. Become a Book Scout

Book scouting is an exciting way to earn money by finding valuable books and selling them to collectors or resellers. It involves searching for rare, first-edition, or high-demand books at bargain prices and selling them for a profit. You might be surprised at how many people unknowingly part with valuable books, not realising their true worth!

Where to Find Rare Books:

• Charity shops, second-hand bookstores, and library sales.
• Estate sales and car boot sales, where valuable books are often overlooked.
• Online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay.
• Book scouting requires patience and knowledge, but with the right strategy, it can be a profitable and enjoyable side hustle.

9. Teach or Tutor Using Books

If you have a background in literature, education, or a passion for teaching, there are plenty of ways to turn your love of books into a tutoring or teaching business. You can help students, writers, or book lovers develop their reading, writing, and analytical skills.

Teaching and Tutoring Opportunities:

• Lead creative writing workshops for aspiring authors.
• Teach reading skills and literature appreciation to young readers.
• Offer tutoring services for students in English, literature, or related subjects.

Tutoring is a flexible and rewarding way to help others while earning an income through your book-related expertise.

10. Book Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes are a fantastic way to create a recurring income while sharing your love of books with others. By curating monthly or quarterly book boxes tailored to specific genres, age groups, or themes, you can offer readers a unique experience. These boxes can include new or second-hand books, literary-themed merchandise, author notes, and exclusive reading guides.

Platforms like Cratejoy make it easy to launch and market your subscription service. To stand out, focus on niche markets - such as fantasy book boxes, self-improvement book clubs, or diverse and indie author selections. Engaging with your audience on social media and offering sneak peeks or limited-edition boxes can help grow your subscriber base and create a sustainable income stream.

11. Book Rental Services

Not every reader wants to buy books, and that’s where a book rental service comes in. By offering a lending system, you can help readers access a variety of books without the commitment of ownership. This works especially well for academic textbooks, collector’s editions, and popular new releases.

How It Works:

• Set up a rental membership model where customers pay a monthly fee for access to books.
• Offer single rentals for rare or expensive books.
• Implement a return and renewal system to keep books circulating efficiently.

Where to Set Up Your Service:

• Local libraries and community centres
• Online via a dedicated website or marketplace
• Social media groups catering to book lovers

Book rental services provide a sustainable and profitable model, ensuring books continue to be read and enjoyed without cluttering bookshelves.

12. Start a Book Repair Service

Many people own beloved but damaged books, from antique collectors to everyday readers. A book repair service allows you to restore books, fix bindings, and preserve literary history.

Services You Can Offer:

• Repair torn pages and broken spines.
• Restore vintage book covers and bindings.
• Provide professional cleaning and preservation for antique books.

How to Market Your Services:

• Partner with second-hand bookshops and libraries.
• Offer your skills on platforms like Etsy or through local advertising.
• Build a social media presence showcasing before-and-after restorations.

Book repair is a niche but rewarding skill that can generate steady income while keeping books in circulation.

13. Audiobook Narration

If you have a great voice and enjoy storytelling, audiobook narration can be a fantastic way to earn money. With the increasing demand for audiobooks, independent authors and publishers are looking for talented narrators to bring their books to life.

Where to Find Narration Gigs:

• ACX (Audible’s Marketplace): Connects narrators with authors who need voiceovers.
• Voices.com & Fiverr: Great for freelancers starting in audiobook narration.
• Upwork & PeoplePerHour: Platforms where you can list your skills and find clients.

Tips for Success:

• Invest in a high-quality microphone and soundproofing.
• Practice voice modulation and storytelling techniques.
• Offer sample recordings to showcase your range and style.

Audiobook narration is a flexible and creative way to turn your love of reading into a steady income stream.

14. Create a Book-Inspired Podcast

Podcasts are an engaging way to discuss books, interview authors, and dive into literary themes. Whether you enjoy reviewing books, analysing classic literature, or discussing industry trends, a book podcast can grow into a profitable venture.

Steps to Get Started:

• Choose a unique podcast theme, such as niche genres, author interviews, or book-to-film adaptations.
• Record and edit episodes with quality audio equipment.
• Distribute your podcast through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other streaming platforms.

Monetisation Strategies:

• Partner with publishers and bookstores for sponsorships.
• Offer bonus content or ad-free episodes through Patreon.
• Use affiliate links when recommending books.

A book-inspired podcast allows you to reach a global audience while turning your literary knowledge into a source of income.

15. Sell Reading Journals or Trackers

Reading journals and trackers have become popular tools for book lovers to document their reading experiences, set goals, and track progress. Designing and selling these products can be a profitable venture!

Types of Reading Journals to Sell:

Digital or printable reading planners. Custom-designed physical journals with reading prompts. Themed bullet journals for book lovers.

Where to Sell:

Etsy & Amazon KDP: Print-on-demand platforms make it easy to start selling. Instagram & TikTok Shops: Promote your products through engaging content. Your Own Website: Create a brand around bookish organisation tools.

So, whether you’re reselling books, blogging, designing bookish merchandise, or teaching literature, there’s no shortage of ways to monetise your passion. With the rise of digital platforms and online communities, book lovers now have more opportunities than ever to turn their hobby into a profitable side hustle.

Start exploring these book-related income ideas today, and who knows? You might just turn your love of books into a thriving business!

Related articles:

• How to Make Money Selling Secondhand Books
• 80 Easy Ways to Make Money
• How to Monetise Your Hobbies: Turn Your Passion into Profit