Book Critic Earnings: How Much Do Real Critics Actually Make?

When you think of a book critic, a professional who evaluates and writes about books for publications or platforms. Also known as literary critic, it's someone whose opinion can shape what readers pick up next. Most people imagine them sipping coffee in a quiet corner of a bookstore, penning glowing or scathing reviews. But how do they get paid? And is it enough to live on? The truth isn’t glamorous. Most book critics don’t work full-time for major newspapers anymore. The rise of blogs, podcasts, and social media changed everything.

There are two kinds of book critics today: the ones paid by institutions and the ones who do it on the side. The first group works for outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, or Booklist. These roles are rare. Salaries? Usually between $50,000 and $80,000 a year—plus benefits—if you’re lucky. But these jobs are shrinking. The second group? Freelancers. They write for indie magazines, websites, or even Amazon. They get paid per review. Rates range from $25 to $200. A few top reviewers on BookTok or YouTube earn more through sponsorships, but that’s not reviewing—it’s content creation. Most freelance critics juggle other jobs: teaching, editing, or writing fiction. One critic told me she writes three reviews a month and makes $300. That’s less than $10 an hour after taxes.

What about the people behind the scenes? Editors who assign reviews, publishers who send ARCs, or bloggers with 50,000 followers—they all play a role in how books get noticed. But they’re not always counted as critics. The real question isn’t just about pay—it’s about influence. Who gets heard? And who gets paid to say it? If you’re thinking of becoming a critic, know this: passion won’t pay the rent. But if you’re good, consistent, and build an audience, you might find a way to make it work.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who review books for a living—or try to. Some made it. Most didn’t. But all of them learned something about books, readers, and the messy business of words.