If you love getting lost in a good book, chances are you’re the imaginative type, and want a fun job that reflects that. Reading can be a fantastic hobby, but did you know it could also lead to a cool career?
Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, or even comic books, there are jobs out there where your love of reading can really pay off. Here are 10 awesome jobs for people who love reading.
1. Librarian
Librarians are living the dream – they get to spend their days surrounded by books, and helping connect others to their passion. Their job involves helping people find the information they need, recommending great reads, and organising all the books in the library. If you love reading and helping others discover new books, this might be the perfect job for you.
How to get there: To become a librarian, you normally need to study information science, which means either a VET qualification in Library and Information Services, or more commonly a uni degree in Information Studies. Most librarians have a degree in this field, plus of course a passion for books and reading.
2. Book Editor
Book Editors work closely with authors to make sure their stories are the best they can be. They read manuscripts, suggest changes, and help authors improve their work. If you love reading and have a keen eye for detail, being a Book Editor could be your dream job.
How to get there: A degree in English, Journalism, or Communications can help you get started. Strong reading and writing skills are also a must. For a step-by-step, check out our guide on How to become a Book Editor.
3. Bookstore Owner
Imagine owning a cozy bookstore filled with all your favourite reads, where everyone you meet is there because of a love of books. Bookstore owners run their own shops, choose which books to sell, and often get to talk to customers about their favourite books all day. If you love reading and want to share that passion with others, this could be a great fit for you.
How to get there: Experience working in a bookstore can help, and you’ll need some business know-how (like a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business) to run your own shop.
4. Book Reviewer
Are you super opinionated about the books you read? Book reviewers get paid to read books and share their opinions. They write reviews for newspapers, magazines, websites, or even their own blogs. If you love reading and enjoy sharing your thoughts on books, this job could be perfect for you.
How to get there: Start by writing reviews for fun on your own blog or social media, build a readership, then start submitting your reviews to publications. With practice and dedication, you could turn your passion into a life-long career.
5. Literary Agent
Literary agents are like the agents you’ve probably heard about in the film industry, except they help authors get their books published instead of helping actors find jobs. They read manuscripts, choose the ones they think will be successful, and then find a publisher to make it happen and negotiate with them on your behalf. If you love reading, are a people person, and have a good sense of what makes a book great, being a literary agent could be right up your alley.
How to get there: Normally you’ll need a minimum of a bachelors degree in a relevant field like English or Communications in order to become a Literary Agent. Then, it’s all about business and networking, which is why most Literary Agents start out by working in publishing companies.
6. Translator
If you’re bilingual and love reading, being a translator could be a fantastic job. Translators take books written in one language and translate them into another, making stories accessible to a wider audience.
How to get there: You’ll need to be fluent in at least two languages and might need a degree in Translation or Linguistics.
7. Comic Book Writer
If you love reading comic books, why not be part of creating them? Comic book creators write stories, design characters, and bring those characters to life with art. Whether you focus on writing, drawing, or both, working in comics could be a dream job for you.
How to get there: Practice your writing or drawing skills, and consider a degree in Creative Writing or Graphic Design. These days, lots of universities also offer courses that are specific to the art of comic books, like this BA in Comic & Concept Art, or this course in Comics and Sequential Storytelling. You can also start by creating your own comics online.
8. Archivist
Archivists work in libraries, museums, and other institutions to preserve old books, documents, and manuscripts. They make sure important pieces of history are kept safe and organised for future generations to enjoy.
How to get there: A degree in History or Information Studies, plus a postgrad degree in Archival Studies, is typically required for this highly specialised role. If you love reading and history, this job could be absolutely perfect for you.
9. Ghostwriter
Ghostwriters write books, articles, or blogs for other people, and usually stay anonymous for it (ie: it won’t be your name on the work that’s published). If you love reading and writing but don’t mind someone else getting the credit, ghostwriting could be a fun way to use your skills.
How to get there: Strong writing skills and experience in writing are key, so start by writing your own stories or helping others with theirs. Most ghostwriters also start off as freelance writers, so this is another pathway to keep in mind.
10. Audiobook Narrator
If you have a great voice and love reading out loud, being an audiobook narrator could be a cool job for you. You’ll get paid to read books and bring the characters and stories to life for listeners who might not be able to access the typical format of the written word.
How to get there: Practice reading out loud and consider taking voice acting classes. You might also need to create a demo reel to show off your voice.
Want more?
Loving books doesn’t just have to be a hobby—there are plenty of careers where you can turn your passion for reading into a job. Whether you want to work directly with books or help others enjoy them, there’s something out there for every book lover.
If you want more, we have heaps of alternative careers and tips about the world of work on our website here.