19 Business Ideas For Bookworms [2024]
If you consider yourself a bookworm with an entrepreneurial spirit, you're in luck. The world of business offers plenty of opportunities for you to turn your love of books into a thriving venture. Whether you're dreaming about starting a new enterprise or looking to expand into a side hustle, we've got you covered.
In this article, you'll find a variety of business ideas tailored specifically for book enthusiasts. You could discover ways to monetize your literary passion, from opening a cozy bookstore to launching an online book club. Keep reading to explore practical and creative avenues that could make 2024 your year to shine in the book business world.
Imagine sharing your love for literature while earning a living from it. You could start a personalized book subscription service, curate book-themed events, or even delve into self-publishing. The possibilities are endless, and the next few pages will guide you on how to turn those possibilities into reality.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other bookworm businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog is an excellent way for bookworms to turn their passion for reading into a side business or even a full-time income. By identifying a specific niche within the literary world—such as mystery novels, young adult fiction, or even antique book collecting—you could create unique and informative content that resonates with a dedicated audience. The process involves sharing reviews, writing guides, conducting author interviews, and much more, generating income through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and potentially a YouTube channel.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could leverage your deep understanding of books to create compelling content that attracts a loyal readership.
- Monetizing through affiliate links and brand collaborations could turn your passion for books into a steady income stream.
- Engaging with a community of like-minded bookworms makes the process enjoyable and fulfilling. Delve into niche blog profitability.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you're a bookworm looking to supplement your income or start a side business, creating a YouTube channel could be an excellent venture. As a book lover, you can tap into a broad audience by sharing book reviews, author interviews, and literary discussions. Not only does this allow you to share your passion for reading, but you also have the potential to monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and merchandising.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could turn your love for books into engaging content, attracting a community of like-minded individuals.
- Book-related channels often attract brand partnerships and sponsorships, offering additional revenue streams.
- With consistency and quality, you could build a loyal audience, creating opportunities for residual income through ad revenue and merchandise sales.
For more detail on how others have succeeded with a YouTube channel, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
3. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're passionate about books and eager to supplement your income, starting a niche website can be an excellent avenue. A niche website allows you to build a dedicated community around a specialized book-related topic, whether it's genre-specific reviews, author interviews, or literary analysis. With various monetization options like affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling digital products, your online space can generate significant revenue while enjoying creative freedom.
Explore how to kickstart your niche website: Check out some success stories.
Why start a niche website?
- You get to dive deeply into topics you love, creating engaging content for fellow book enthusiasts.
- Monetization is versatile, from affiliate marketing to ad placements, providing multiple revenue streams.
- Building a niche website lays the foundation for passive income, allowing you to earn money even when you're not actively working on the site.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
4. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
If you’re a bookworm looking to supplement your income or start a side business, consider venturing into affiliate marketing. This business model allows you to earn money by promoting products and services related to your love of books, such as publishers, bookstores, or even literary merchandise. As an avid reader, you have a deep understanding of the book industry and a passionate audience who trusts your recommendations, making it easier to promote and sell these products.
For example, you could become an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store that sells books or partner with publishers to market their latest releases. By leveraging your literary knowledge and enthusiasm, you can create engaging content that resonates with other book lovers, leading to commissions from sales you generate. For more insights, check out how much affiliate marketers make.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It leverages your existing passion for books, making the work enjoyable and authentic.
- Minimal startup costs and potential for passive income through commission-based sales.
- Flexibility to work from anywhere and the ability to scale your efforts over time.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
5. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
For bookworms with entrepreneurial spirit, starting an online course sales business could be a perfect venture. Sharing your passion and knowledge about literature, writing, or any other niche subject allows you to create valuable content for a global audience. By creating and selling courses on topics you are passionate about, you could turn your bookish hobbies into a steady income stream.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could earn passive income by monetizing your knowledge and expertise on subjects you love.
- The e-learning market is booming, offering immense potential for growth and revenue.
- You can reach a global audience and make a significant impact by teaching what you are passionate about.
Explore more about starting an online course sales business on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
6. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
If you're a bookworm with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an eCommerce reselling business could be an excellent move for you. As an eCommerce reseller, you can purchase books and literary-related items for resale, accessing a broad audience online without the production costs typically associated with creating new products. By leveraging platforms like social media for your initial sales, you could swiftly establish a presence and grow your business without the need for a dedicated website from day one. For more insights on the potential and strategies, check out these eCommerce reselling business success stories.
Why consider starting an eCommerce reselling business?
- You could turn your passion for books into a profitable side business or even a full-time venture.
- Reselling provides flexibility by allowing you to focus on marketing and sales, rather than production and inventory management.
- With low initial investment, it's a low-risk way to explore entrepreneurship without significant financial commitment.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
7. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be an excellent venture for bookworms who want to turn their passion for reading into a profitable side hustle or complete business. Subscription box businesses cater to niche markets and offer curated products on a monthly basis, and book enthusiasts have a unique advantage in understanding what fellow readers might appreciate—whether it's a selection of new releases, themed literary gifts, or exclusive access to indie authors. This business model not only allows you to share your love for books but also to create a recurring revenue stream while providing an elevated customer experience.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could leverage your deep knowledge of books to curate highly desirable, niche-specific boxes that resonate with fellow book lovers.
- Subscription boxes create a reliable and consistent revenue model, offering financial stability and growth potential.
- This business opportunity allows you to build a community around the shared love of literature, fostering loyal customers and repeated business.
For more information on subscription box business ideas, check out these tips.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
8. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is an excellent way for a bookworm to monetize their passion while sharing their literary knowledge with an engaged audience. You could dive into book reviews, author interviews, or deep-dive analyses of literary genres, creating a wealth of content that can attract both avid readers and casual listeners. The relatively low cost of entry makes it an accessible side hustle or a potential full-time business.
To start a podcast business on a budget, you could follow these straightforward steps. First, select a niche or topic within the literary world that resonates with you and has a clear audience. Next, invest in basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and find an affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes. Finally, promote your podcast through social media channels, book clubs, and literary forums to build a loyal listenership, potentially attracting sponsors or advertisers.
Why consider podcasting?
- You could turn your love for books into a platform where you connect with like-minded individuals and build a community.
- By discussing books and interviewing authors, you could create valuable content that attracts sponsors and advertisers.
- Podcasting allows you to diversify your income streams while indulging in your literary interests.
For more information on starting a podcast, check out Starter Story's podcast startup costs.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
9. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business aligns perfectly with your love for books and creativity. By leveraging online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you could design and sell custom products, such as book-themed apparel, accessories, and home goods, without worrying about upfront inventory costs. This scalable model enables you to monetize your passion for literature and design while working from the comfort of your home.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could focus on designing book-inspired merchandise that resonates with fellow book lovers.
- Minimal startup costs allow you to enter the market without significant financial risk.
- Your creativity will be your driving force, letting you turn your love of books into a profitable and enjoyable venture.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
10. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a bookworm, your deep appreciation for the written word positions you uniquely to start an AI writing tool business. With your innate understanding of language and storytelling, you could develop an AI tool that generates high-quality content, meeting the growing demand for articles, blogs, and academic papers. Imagine tapping into the fast-paced world of technology by creating a tool that assists in error-free, efficient writing.
Your venture could become indispensable for a wide range of users, from professional writers to students. Check out some success stories of AI writing tools here to get inspired and understand the potential of this exciting field.
Why develop an AI writing tool?
- AI writing tools streamline the writing process, saving users valuable time.
- There is a high demand for quality content creation across various industries.
- Your passion for books and writing can drive the innovation needed to make your tool stand out.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
11. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Ever thought about turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app? As a bookworm, you could create an app that revolutionizes how people read, discover books, or connect with fellow enthusiasts. Whether it's an enhanced reading experience, a book recommendation engine, or a platform for book discussions, the possibilities are endless.
Developing a mobile app requires a clear vision, basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer. Your primary tasks will include planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and testing for functionality and bugs. Marketing your app effectively is crucial to attract users and achieve downloads. For inspiration, check out some success stories from individuals who have turned their app ideas into income-generating ventures.
Why create a mobile app?
- You could turn your love for books into a revenue-generating app by catering to a niche audience with a unique solution.
- Mobile apps offer scalability allowing you to reach a global audience with your innovative idea.
- As a bookworm, your insights into reading habits can help you design an app that truly resonates with fellow book enthusiasts.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
12. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
If you're a bookworm with a knack for identifying patterns and enjoying structured thinking, starting an AI-based business solution could be a great fit. Leveraging artificial intelligence allows you to streamline various business operations, providing services like automated customer support, inventory management, and data analysis. This not only helps businesses operate more efficiently but can also generate a supplementary income or even become your full-time venture.
The demand for AI solutions is surging as companies look to harness cutting-edge technology to gain a competitive edge. Even without a tech background, you can easily tap into this market thanks to user-friendly platforms that offer robust support and simple interfaces. For more insights, you can check out some success stories here.
Why consider launching an AI-based business solution?
- You'll help businesses optimize operations and reduce costs through intelligent automation.
- You can leverage data analytics to provide valuable insights and drive data-informed decisions.
- High market demand ensures ample opportunities for growing your business in a tech-focused future.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
13. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
If you're a bookworm with a flair for crafting compelling narratives, starting a cold email service business is a fantastic way to turn your passion for words into profit. Imagine helping businesses reach potential clients by writing persuasive and well-researched emails that captivate and convert. With a strategic mindset and proficiency in email marketing tools, you could transform this skill into a steady income stream, catering to small businesses in need of lead generation and expanding your clientele as your success stories grow. For more insights, explore these success stories of cold email service businesses.
Why start a cold email service business?
- You could leverage your love for writing to create engaging email campaigns.
- With the growing demand for effective lead generation, your services would be highly sought after.
- The business is scalable, allowing you to start small and grow as you gain experience and reputation.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
14. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business can be an excellent venture for bookworms looking to supplement their income or create a primary business. As someone deeply invested in reading and writing, crafting compelling email content will come naturally to you. Additionally, your passion for detail can help you develop a robust tool that caters to the diverse needs of businesses.
The global email marketing tool market is booming, with a projected reach of $2.53B in 2028. Creating an email marketing tool offers endless possibilities, particularly in an industry where effective communication and content are king.
Why start an email marketing tool business?
- Your love for reading and writing translates well into creating engaging email content.
- As a detailed-oriented bookworm, you'll excel in developing a robust and user-friendly tool.
- The email marketing industry is expanding rapidly, presenting ample opportunities for growth and profitability.
For more insights, you can explore our success stories to see how others have thrived in this industry.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
15. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
As a bookworm, your knack for absorbing information and keen analytical skills make you well-suited for starting a social media automation business. This venture involves creating tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data across various platforms, which can save your clients valuable time while amplifying their social media presence.
With the rising demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, this business opportunity allows you to delve into technology and marketing. By developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on trends, and cultivating client relationships, you could turn this venture into a profitable endeavor. For more insights, check out some tips for starting a social media automation business.
Why consider a social media automation business?
- Leverage your analytical skills to optimize social media strategies for clients.
- Combine your love for reading trends with practical tech applications to stay ahead in the industry.
- Enjoy the flexibility of managing multiple accounts and brands from anywhere, providing a rich, multi-layered business model.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
16. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool can be a rewarding venture for a bookworm, as it allows you to leverage your analytical mindset and attention to detail in a growing market. By helping businesses gather customer feedback, you could use your love for information and organized data to create a service that is both valuable and impactful. With the increasing demand for online surveys, your expertise in research and comprehension can add significant value to this business model.
Why develop an online survey tool?
- The growing demand for data collection means a consistent market need for your service.
- You could monetize a platform that helps businesses make informed decisions based on customer feedback, turning insights into profit.
- Utilizing your analytical skills in this way could fulfill both your passion for information and your entrepreneurial spirit. Discover more on success stories with online survey tools.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
17. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
As a bookworm, delving into the world of WordPress plugin development could be quite rewarding. Just as you solve unique problems or enhance stories through imaginative plots, you could create plugins that address specific needs within the WordPress ecosystem. Whether it’s a plugin to simplify book reviews or enhance reading experiences, your meticulous attention to detail and analytical skills will be invaluable. Selling these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon or on your blog could turn your love for books and problem-solving into a profitable venture. For more insight on starting a WordPress plugin business, check out some tips.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- WordPress plugins serve niche markets just like unique genres of books cater to diverse readers.
- Your strong analytical skills can identify and solve website issues just as you decode complex plots.
- It offers a scalable way to turn your hobby into a profitable side hustle, supplementing your income.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
18. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Starting a health and wellness app could be a great fit for a bookworm entrepreneur. With your love for research and attention to detail, you might excel at gathering authoritative information on wellness topics, curating expert advice, and translating it into a user-friendly app. Imagine creating a digital tool that provides personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking, all in one place.
Building this app would require market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. However, the potential to positively impact lives and tap into a growing market makes it a compelling venture. If you’re passionate about both health and technology, this could be your path to making a meaningful contribution while building a thriving business. Explore more on starting a health and wellness app.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You could leverage your research skills to gather and present authoritative wellness information.
- It allows you to combine your passion for technology and health, creating a product that makes a difference.
- The growing demand for digital wellness solutions means there’s a bigger market waiting to be tapped into.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
19. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business makes sense for bookworms who have a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for visual storytelling. Many businesses, website owners, and bloggers are constantly in search of quality images to enhance their content, offering book lovers an opportunity to monetize their knack for capturing compelling visuals. By investing in good photography gear and utilizing platforms for selling stock photos, bookworms could build an impressive portfolio, earn passive income, and potentially transform their hobby into a lucrative side business.
Why consider a stock photography business?
- Your love for capturing details can translate into impactful, marketable images.
- You could earn a steady passive income by consistently uploading high-quality photos.
- It leverages your creativity, allowing you to blend visual art with your passion for storytelling.
For further insights into starting a stock photography business, you can explore successful examples of others who have turned their photographic skills into thriving ventures.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
