Light Novels
Database Criteria
Light novels can be added to the website if they meet all the following criteria:
The light novel must be of Japanese origin.
The light novel must be professionally published through a reputable publisher from companies such as Kadokawa, Kodansha, Alphapolis, and Hobby Japan.
The light novel is specified as being such by the publisher, author, or the majority of major retailers.
Example light novel labels include things such as:
Tokuten (bonus booklets and such) are not added to the database.
If a self-published web novel from a site such as Syosetu is later professionally published as a light novel, the light novel entry would be eligible for submission under the date that the light novel serialization began.
The original web novel publication should not be added. This means works from Japanese self-publishing websites such as Syosetu are completely denied.
Chinese and Korean web novels are not accepted on this website.
Examples
Example 1:
The original self-published Syosetu release of KonoSuba is not permitted, however, the Kadokawa published light novel serialization under their Sneaker Bunko imprint is allowed.
Example 2:
The Monogatari Series toes the line between appearing as a hard or light novel. It is published in Kodansha BOX, which is a hybrid label, but the work is mixed media (contains illustrations) and is mostly labeled as a light novel by the general community in both Japan and overseas (readers, large retailers etc).
Example 3:
Spice and Wolf debuted as a prize-winning work in the 12th Dengeki Novel Awards. This awarded it serialization in Dengeki Bunko, a light novel imprint.
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