How to Start a Book Blog: A Step-by-Step Guide for Book Lovers Who Want to Earn

Have you ever finished a book and immediately wanted to tell everyone about it? Or maybe you’ve got stacks of novels and no one to rave about them with? If so, starting a book blog might be just the thing for you.

Book blogging is a brilliant way to share your thoughts, connect with other passionate readers, and yes - even earn a little (or a lot of) extra cash on the side. Whether you're dreaming of free books, building a bookish brand, or just want a creative outlet for your love of reading, this guide will show you how to make it happen.

Let’s turn your reading habit into something truly rewarding.

 

Why Should You Start a Book Blog?

First things first — why bother blogging about books when you could just post a quick review on Goodreads or TikTok?

Well, here’s the thing: a blog is your own corner of the internet. It’s where you set the tone, you choose the content, and you decide how to grow it. Unlike social media, where algorithms rule, your blog gives you full control - and long-term potential.

Here are a few reasons to start a book blog:

• It gives your reading a new purpose – You'll read more thoughtfully, critically, and creatively.
• You get to connect with other book lovers – Through comments, blog hops, social shares, and events.
• It opens doors – From advanced review copies (ARCs) and free books, to collaborations with publishers and authors.
• You can monetise it – Yep, your passion for books can actually earn you money. Whether through affiliate links, sponsorships or selling your own secondhand books, book blogs offer various ways to generate income. We’ll cover exactly how later in this post.

Book blogging is also just fun. Think of it as a digital journal meets book club meets side hustle. And if you're interested in turning your love of literature into income, check out our post on Book-Related Side Hustles for more ideas.

 

Picking Your Book Blog Niche (Without Boxing Yourself In)

Before you jump into posting, take a moment to think about what kind of book blog you want to create. Your niche helps you stand out and makes it easier to attract the right audience.

But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself into reading nothing but one genre forever. It just means having a general focus.

Some popular book blog niche ideas include:

• Genre-based blogs – e.g. fantasy, crime, romance, young adult, non-fiction
• Book reviews & recommendations
• Collecting secondhand/rare books – Perfect if you’re into book flipping for profit
• Book vs film comparisons
• Bookish lifestyle – Think reading nooks, shelf tours, themed candles, bookish merch
• Author spotlights and interviews

Top tip: Think about your own reading habits. What do you love? What books do your friends ask you about? That’s your starting point.

 

How to Set Up Your Book Blog (It’s Easier Than You Think)

You don’t need to be techy, spend loads of money, or have it all figured out before you begin. Here's a simple setup path to get you up and running.

1. Pick a Blog Name

Choose something that reflects your style, genre, or personality. It could be quirky, cosy, literary, punny — whatever suits you. Some examples to spark ideas:

• TeaLeavesAndChapters
• TheHardbackHabit
• CosyCrimeCorner
• PaperbackParlour

Check that your name is available as a domain name (.com or .co.uk ideally) and on social media handles if you plan to grow there too.

2. Choose a Blogging Platform

• We recommend:
• WordPress.org – Best for customisation and long-term growth
• Wix or Squarespace – Great for beginners and visual layouts

You’ll also need a hosting provider (e.g. SiteGround, Bluehost or similar) if you go with WordPress.

3. Set Up Core Pages

At the very least, you’ll want:

• Home – Your latest posts and intro
• About Me – Share who you are, your reading preferences and your blogging goals
• Review Policy – Especially useful if you want to work with publishers and authors
• Contact – A form or email for PR enquiries and reader questions
• Blog Feed – Where your posts will appear

4. Organise Content with Categories

Make it easy for readers to explore your posts. For example:

• Reviews by Genre
• Monthly Wrap-Ups
• Top 10 Lists
• Reading Challenges

 

What Should You Blog About?

You don’t need to be a literary scholar or write lengthy essays to run a great blog. The best blogs are relatable, honest, and full of passion.

Here are some content ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• Honest book reviews
• TBR (To Be Read) lists
• Reading challenges
• “If You Liked This, Read That” suggestions
• Top 10s or themed reading lists
• Book vs film comparison reviews
• Book hauls from charity shops or secondhand finds
• Cosy reading routines and bookshelf tours

Let your own reading journey guide your content - people love seeing what real readers think.

And if you're interested in visual storytelling too, take a look at our guide to starting a Bookstagram, BookTok or BookTube to pair with your blog content.

 

How to Grow Your Book Blog Audience

Growing your blog might feel slow at first, but trust us - consistency and connection go a long way.

Learn a Little SEO

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) helps people find your blog through Google. It sounds techy, but it’s really just about:

• Using keywords like book blogs, blogs for book lovers, best blogs about books naturally in titles and text
• Creating helpful, informative content
• Adding meta descriptions and image alt text

Promote on Social Media

• Join the Bookstagram community on Instagram
• Share aesthetic shots or reading reels on TikTok (BookTok)
• Use Pinterest to pin your blog posts for more evergreen traffic
• Join Twitter/X chats using hashtags like #BookBloggers or #AmReading

Connect With Other Bloggers

• Leave thoughtful comments on other book blogs
• Join reading challenges or blog hops
• Link to and support others - it builds community and boosts SEO

 

Can You Really Make Money from a Book Blog?

Absolutely. It may not make you rich overnight, but many book bloggers earn a decent side income and some even go full-time.

Here are a few common ways to monetise:

1. Affiliate Marketing

Earn a commission when readers buy books through your links (e.g. Amazon Associates, Bookshop.org, Blackwell’s affiliate programmes).

2. Sponsored Posts & Collaborations

Partner with publishers, authors or brands for paid reviews, list features, or giveaways.

3. Display Ads

Once your traffic grows, you can add Google AdSense or apply for networks like Mediavine for passive ad revenue.

4. Sell Your Own Books

Got books piling up? Sell them secondhand or flip them for profit. Add a “Books for Sale” page to your blog and link to WeBuyBooks.

5. Offer Services

Use your skills to beta-read, edit, or help indie authors with book marketing or blogging.

 

Examples of the Best Book Blogs to Inspire You

Need a little inspiration? Check out these top book blogs… they all do things a bit differently but have built loyal communities:

• The Bibliophile Chronicles – Beautiful layout, fantasy reviews, author interviews
• Savidge Reads – Smart, engaging commentary and diverse picks
• The Literary Edit – Combines books and travel in a dreamy, aesthetic feed

These blogs show there’s no “right” way to do it - just find your voice and run with it.

 

Book Blog vs Bookstagram vs BookTok vs BookTube

Wondering if you should just make a TikTok instead? Here’s a quick comparison:

You can totally combine these! Start with the blog, then repurpose your posts into bite-sized videos or visual posts.

 

Final Thoughts: Your Blog, Your Voice, Your Community

At the heart of it, a book blog is about you. Your opinions, your reading style, your voice. And that’s what makes it powerful.

So if you’ve been thinking about it, start today. You don’t need all the answers or a fancy logo to get going. You just need that first post.

Quick Start Checklist:

• Choose a niche and blog name
• Buy your domain and set up your blog
• Write 3–5 starter posts
• Start sharing on social media
• Connect with other bloggers
• Explore income options

And if your shelves are overflowing, why not earn while making space? Learn how to sell your used books easily and keep your blog (and book budget) going strong.

 

So… what book are you reviewing first? Tag us when you launch your blog - we’d love to see it!

 

Related articles:

• How to Spot Profitable Used Books for Reselling
• How to Make Money Selling Secondhand Books
• Book-Related Side Hustles: Creative Ways to Turn Your Love for Books Into Income