> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://anilist2.gitbook.io/submission-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://anilist2.gitbook.io/submission-manual/before-you-begin/written-media-information/light-novels.md).

# Light Novels

## Database Criteria

Light novels can be added to the website if they meet all the following criteria:

1. The light novel must be of Japanese origin.  
2. The light novel must be professionally published through a reputable publisher from companies such as [Kadokawa](https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/), [Kodansha](http://www.kodansha.co.jp/), [Alphapolis](https://www.alphapolis.co.jp/), and [Hobby Japan](http://hobbyjapan.co.jp/).  
3. 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:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Light Novel Labels" %}
[Dengeki Bunko](https://dengekibunko.jp/)\
[MF Bunko J](https://mfbunkoj.jp/)\
[Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko](https://sneakerbunko.jp/)\
[Famitsu Bunko](http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/fb/)\
[HJ Bunko](http://hobbyjapan.co.jp/hjbunko/)\
[Gagaga Bunko](http://gagagabunko.jp/)\
[GA Bunko](https://ga.sbcr.jp/)\
[Media Works Bunko](http://mwbunko.com/)\
[Alpha Light Bunko](http://www.alphalight-books.com/)\
[Puchipara Bunko](http://parabook.co.jp/novels/puchipara.php) (**adult**)\
[Bishoujo Bunko](http://www.bishojobunko.jp/) (**adult**)
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Tokuten (bonus booklets and such) are not added to the database.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
If a self-published web novel from a site such as [Syosetu ](http://syosetu.com)is later professionally published as a [light novel](/submission-manual/before-you-begin/written-media-information/light-novels.md), 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 ](http://syosetu.com)are completely denied.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
Chinese and Korean web novels are ***not*** accepted on this website.
{% endhint %}

## Examples

Example 1:

> The original self-published [Syosetu ](http://ncode.syosetu.com/s2691b/)release of [KonoSuba ](https://anilist.co/manga/86238/Kono-Subarashii-Sekai-ni-Shukufuku-wo/)is ***not*** permitted, however, the [Kadokawa ](https://kadokawa.co.jp)published [light novel serialization](https://sneakerbunko.jp/series/konosuba/) under their [Sneaker Bunko](https://sneakerbunko.jp/) imprint ***is*** allowed.

Example 2:

> The [Monogatari Series](https://anilist.co/manga/44893/) toes the line between appearing as a hard or light novel. It is [published](http://kodansha-box.jp/topics/nishio/index.html) in [Kodansha BOX](http://kodansha-box.jp/), 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](https://anilist.co/manga/39115) debuted as a prize-winning work in the 12th Dengeki Novel Awards. This awarded it serialization in [Dengeki Bunko](https://dengekibunko.jp/product/spice-and-wolf/), a light novel imprint.