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Would reading a book to someone for pay violate copyright laws?

Would reading a book to someone for pay violate copyright laws?

Q: Can I really make money on Audible?

Yes, you can make money on Audible by creating and selling audiobooks. Authors can earn royalties from sales, and narrators can earn fees for their narration work. However, both parties must comply with copyright laws regarding the content being produced.

Q: Is narrating audiobooks a good side hustle?

Narrating audiobooks can be a good side hustle if you enjoy reading and have good vocal skills. It allows for flexible hours and can be financially rewarding. Just ensure you have the necessary rights to the material you are narrating to avoid copyright issues.

Q: How much do Audible narrators make?

Audible narrators typically make between $50 to $400 per finished hour of audio, depending on their experience and the project's budget. Payment structures can vary, so it's essential to review contracts carefully before starting.

Q: How much do Audible narrators make per book?

The earnings for Audible narrators per book can vary widely based on the book's length and the narrator's experience. On average, narrators may earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a complete audiobook project.

Full question:

I'm interested in starting my own business. I want to read to people for pay, i.e., books. As an example visiting senior citizen homes to read to a person one-on-one, or to a group a novel maybe and I would charge by the hour. However, would reading a book to someone for pay violate copyright laws?

Category: Intellectual Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Ohio

Answer:

It would probably need to be considered a public performance. The Copyright Act grants copyright owners control over performances of their work, but only public performances.

For further discussion, please see:

http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2009/02/does-authors-guild-want-sue-you-reading-aloud-your

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Do you get paid to read for Audible?

Yes, you can get paid to read for Audible by becoming an audiobook narrator. Narrators are compensated for their work, typically based on the length of the audiobook and the terms of the contract. However, it's important to ensure that you have the rights to narrate the book, as copyright laws apply.