SmartBrief Earnings Calculator
Calculate your potential monthly earnings as a SmartBrief book review writer. Based on industry reports, most contributors earn between $300-$800/month with 6-10 articles.
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Most contributors earn between $300 and $800 monthly with 6-10 articles.
If you're thinking about writing book reviews for SmartBrief, you're probably wondering: how much do they actually pay? It’s not a secret, but it’s not easy to find either. SmartBrief doesn’t post salary ranges on its job listings, and most writers don’t talk about it openly. But based on reports from current and former contributors, freelance platforms, and industry benchmarks, there’s a clear picture of what to expect.
SmartBrief Pays Per Article, Not Per Hour
SmartBrief doesn’t hire full-time book reviewers. Instead, they work with freelance writers who pitch and deliver short, digestible summaries of new releases-usually 300 to 500 words. Each piece is meant to be read in under a minute, packed with key takeaways, and targeted at busy professionals who want to stay on top of publishing trends.Most contributors report being paid between $50 and $80 per article. That’s the standard range across multiple writers who’ve shared their payment history in private forums and freelance networks. Some say they’ve gotten $40 for shorter pieces or when pitching during slower months. Others, especially those with niche expertise (like academic publishing or rare genre fiction), have landed $100+ for special assignments.
It’s not hourly pay. You’re paid for the finished product. So if you can write a solid review in 30 minutes, you’re making $100 an hour. If it takes you two hours to research and polish, you’re at $25 an hour. The speed and consistency matter more than the word count.
How Often Do You Get Paid?
Payments come monthly, usually between the 5th and 10th of the following month. There’s no upfront deposit or retainer. You need to hit a minimum of three published pieces in a calendar month to qualify for payment. That’s the threshold most writers mention when discussing earnings.Some writers average 6 to 10 pieces a month. That puts their monthly income between $300 and $800. A few top contributors who specialize in high-demand genres-like self-help, business nonfiction, or trending YA-report hitting $1,200 in a single month during peak seasons (like January or September, when publishers flood the market with new releases).
What Kind of Books Do You Review?
SmartBrief doesn’t focus on literary fiction or poetry. They want books that professionals actually read: business strategy, productivity, leadership, tech trends, health science, and popular psychology. If you’ve ever seen a book on Amazon’s “Best Sellers in Business Leadership” list, that’s the kind of content SmartBrief covers.You won’t be reviewing fantasy epics or romance novels unless they’ve gone viral with corporate readers. For example, a book like The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma gets covered because it’s trending among managers. A niche poetry collection from a university press? Probably not.
This matters because it affects your pay potential. If you’re good at breaking down dense business books into simple summaries, you’ll get assigned more often. If you only read literary fiction, you’ll struggle to find pitches that stick.
How Do You Get Hired?
There’s no formal application portal. You need to pitch directly to the editor. The best way is to find the current book review editor’s contact info through LinkedIn or by checking the byline on past SmartBrief articles. Then send a short email with:- A brief intro (who you are, where you’ve written before)
- Three book ideas you’d like to review (with publication dates)
- One sample review (500 words max, even if unpublished)
Most editors respond within 48 hours. If they like your style, they’ll send you a style guide and add you to their rotation. You don’t need a journalism degree or a big following. You just need to write clearly, meet deadlines, and understand what busy readers care about.
Is It Worth It?
For someone building a writing portfolio or looking for side income, yes. It’s not a career path, but it’s a reliable way to earn $500 to $1,000 a month with minimal overhead. You work from home, pick your own books (within their guidelines), and get published under a recognizable brand name.But if you’re hoping to make $50,000 a year writing book reviews, this isn’t the route. You’d need to be writing 15-20 pieces a week at $80 each, which isn’t sustainable. Most writers treat it as a side gig-something to do between bigger projects.
Many writers use SmartBrief as a stepping stone. They build credibility, collect clips, and then move on to higher-paying clients like The Atlantic, Harvard Business Review, or independent publishers who pay $200-$400 per review.
What Writers Say About the Experience
One contributor, who’s been writing for SmartBrief since 2022, said: “I started because I needed cash after my freelance editing work dried up. Now it’s my quietest income stream. I don’t have to chase clients. They come to me. And I’ve learned how to summarize complex ideas fast-that skill paid off when I landed a contract with a tech startup.”Another writer, who reviews mostly self-help titles, added: “I used to hate writing summaries. I thought they were shallow. But once I realized people are using these to decide what to read next, I took it seriously. Now I get asked to write longer versions for newsletters. SmartBrief opened that door.”
How This Compares to Other Book Review Platforms
| Platform | Pay Per Article | Frequency | Genre Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| SmartBrief | $50-$80 | 3-10/month | Business, self-help, tech |
| BookPage | $75-$150 | 1-4/month | Literary, fiction, YA |
| Goodreads (Reviewer Program) | $0 (free ARCs) | Unlimited | All genres |
| HBR Blog Network | $200-$400 | 1-3/month | Leadership, management |
| Medium (via Publication Submissions) | $5-$50 (via Partner Program) | Variable | Any |
SmartBrief isn’t the highest payer, but it’s one of the most consistent. You don’t have to build an audience. You don’t have to compete for clicks. You just write, submit, and get paid.
Who Should Try It?
If you’re:- A writer looking for steady, low-pressure side income
- Someone who reads business or self-help books regularly
- Willing to adapt your tone to fit a professional audience
- Looking to build clips for higher-paying gigs
Then SmartBrief is worth a shot. You don’t need experience. You just need to be able to write clearly and meet deadlines.
Who Should Skip It?
If you’re:- Looking to review literary fiction or poetry
- Wanting to write long-form, analytical reviews
- Expecting to make a full-time income from book reviews
- Dislike working within strict word limits
Then this isn’t for you. There are other outlets for that kind of work-but they’re harder to break into and pay less consistently.
Do I need to have published book reviews before applying to SmartBrief?
No. Many writers get their first assignment after submitting a sample review and three pitch ideas. What matters is clarity, tone, and understanding the audience-not your publishing history.
Can I review books I haven’t finished reading?
No. SmartBrief requires you to have read the entire book. They check for accuracy and depth. If your summary misses key points or misrepresents the author’s argument, your next pitch will be ignored.
How long does it take to get paid after publishing?
Payments are processed monthly. You’ll receive payment between the 5th and 10th of the month after your work is published. There’s no delay if you hit the three-article minimum.
Are there any hidden fees or requirements?
No. SmartBrief doesn’t charge you for access, training, or submissions. You’re not required to buy books-you’ll usually get free digital copies or ARCs sent to you. You also don’t need to sign an exclusive contract.
Can I write for SmartBrief while working another job?
Absolutely. Most contributors have full-time jobs in marketing, education, or tech. SmartBrief’s flexible deadlines and short format make it ideal for side gigs. You can write during lunch breaks or after work.
