Q&A for How to Write a Light Novel

Yes, there is no age requirement for publishing a novel, though you may need an adult to go through and sign paperwork for you if you get a contract with a publishing company.

No. But pictures may give the reader a better understanding of the novel's characters, setting, plot, etc.

You should plan a few different, easily resolved ideas for your plot. The ideas don't need to be big, just two or three paragraphs on two or three ideas. Once you're done, select which one looks the best out of the lot. Ask some friends or someone that knows a bit about Anime/Manga/Light Novels for their opinion on your ideas too.

No, nationality is not a requirement in writing. If you enjoy the style, then you should try it.

If you do not have any intention of publishing it or making a profit from it, then go ahead. However, you will potentially face problems if you attempt to use those stories to make money in any way (depending on how "loosely based" your light novels are).

Yes, since a light novel is is a style of Japanese novel primarily targeting middle- and high-school students (young adult demographic).

Sure, but you will have to have it translated if you do not know Japanese.

As long as the story needs, or as long as you wish.

Books can have more than one genre, so the genre could actually be "anime, fantasy and science fiction."

A light novel is a simplified form of literature targeted at a younger audience. They are meant to be quick reads, and are shorter than a conventional novel.

Pixiv or Deviantarts artists are usually available to do commission drawing. As for payments, you should discuss it with the artists who are willing to work with you.

There is a website called Critique Circle. On this site you critique other people's books to get them to review your own.

Usually around 5 to 6 chapters for a minimum length, but you can write as many as you want. Make sure to keep it to a minimum though as you don't want your novel to be too long. That way you can release multiple novels at certain times and dates.

Practice drawing until you get better, or see if you can trade something with an artist instead of paying them.

You can find some by searching it up on the internet. There are also self-publishing websites that allow you to sell online and physical copies of your novels.

Yes, syosetu.com. Anime was adapted from web novels on syoetsu. However, most novels are in Japanese. If you want western readers that are okay with light novels then try Royal Road Legends.

You can, but if you want to it to be viral you should write it in English or have someone lined up to translate it.

See Method 2 of Get Published .

I think it can, but don't count on getting too many readers. A lot of the greatest books barely even mention the act at all.

You can hire freelance translation services from a lot of different websites, such as Fiverr and Freelancer.com. I wouldn't recommend using an automated translator such as Google, because it will only translate each word independently, without fixing context, idioms and major grammar issues.

Yes. Everything isloosely based on another thing. As long as it isn't a complete replica of something that already exists, you could.

You can copyright a book through the Library of Congress. (There is a fee.) If you intend on publishing your novel and making profit, copyright is crucial. If you want to upload a fanfic or are writing for fun, it's not so important.

It depends on what kind of character you want them to be. You can find Japanese names online. Look for the names that you think would fit your character the most. Place names could be inspired by real life locations if that makes sense for the world you're creating.

Yes, you can name a character anything you want, as long as it isn't under copyright.

Yes, the first person is the most common perspective in light novels, followed by third person. They can also be written in second person or with shifting perspectives, as seen in light novels like A Certain Magical Index and Overlord. It's up to the author to choose the perspective that best suits their story.

AI can be a beneficial tool. You can use it to gather ideas, but it's best to create the covers yourself based on those ideas. The originality is a key aspect of writing, so ensure you retain it.

No. Novels can be written in any and all genres. You could write sci-fi, a detective story, or something based on a true story.

No. It is not a common practice to add summaries. That would be considered quite unusual.

Yes. Although light novels originated in Japan, they can be written in (or translated to) any language.

No. Every novel is different, there are many novels which focus on multiple characters' perspectives and advance with all of them but this is rather difficult because it is hard enough to create one decent main character. Making a novel focusing on multiple characters amps up the difficulty since they have to be unique so they don't seem like carbon copies. So, they all have to be interesting since the story will focus on them and they cannot be bland side characters.