Do you know how to write a light novel?
If you have a particular talent for the written word and enjoy sharing your ideas in this way, perhaps the idea of writing a light novel has crossed your mind.
Writing a light novel can be a wonderful way to express yourself especially if you are a new writer.
If you are going to discover how to write a light novel, you need to know the difference between a light novel and a traditional novel.
Light novel vs novel
What is the difference between a light novel and a novel?
- A light novel is shorter than a novel since a light novel contains approximately 100 words.
- A light novel is quick to read.
- A light novel has a vocabulary easily grasped by middle schoolers and young adults.
- A light novel has Japanese origins.
- A light novel may contain Kanji.
A lot of people assume that writing a light novel is easy, but on the contrary, it can be a long and sometimes stressful task especially if you are new to novel writing.
Finding the perfect story and creating intriguing, relatable characters will take a lot of time and consideration. Many people start working on their light novel, only to never complete it.
So, if you want to write a light novel and this is your first attempt at it, here is a brief guide that you can use for tips.
Let’s dive in and discover how to write a light novel.
How to Write a Light Novel in 7 Steps
Research
Research is an important first step in both fiction and non-fiction writing.
If you are writing a novel, you might have been inspired by a particular event historically or with current affairs, or perhaps you just saw a house or something else one day, and it was a light-bulb moment that planted the seeds of your story.
Whatever you want to write about, make sure you know a good deal about the subject first. This will help when you come to develop the plot and characters and make your story stronger.
Development
When you have done your research, you can use this information to build your plot and characters. All stories have a beginning, middle, and end, but you can play around with the frame of your novel if you want it to have a more playful or unique format. Just make sure that your style of story-telling still makes sense. If it is too confusing, it will likely turn readers off.
You should also pay close attention to character development, as they will be moving your story along and keeping your readers intrigued.
It’s important to make your characters relatable to a certain extent, particularly your protagonists. Of course, everyone will feel different connections to characters the same way that they do people, but if characters feel two dimensional and cliched, this can be another thing that will make readers want to put your novel down.
Take the time to truly get to know your characters. Create profiles for them and consider their back story, even if some of those details will not be included in your novel. The more intimately you know your characters, the more effective your writing will be.
Light Novel Format
If you are going to learn how to write a light novel, you need to master the light novel format.
Light novel format:
- 100 pages or less
- Geared toward young adults
- Japanese-style Images
As you develop your novel, keep these factors in mind.
Images in a light novel are generally Manga or Anime.
This is an example of a Manga image that appeared in a light novel.
Time Management and Routine
So, you’ve done your research and finished with the development side of your novel. Now it’s time to get writing!
If you want to make sure you complete your novel, give yourself a deadline to have your first draft completed. You should also aim to write a certain amount of pages or chapters a day to meet it.
Although there might be certain days where other commitments need to take priority, don’t deviate from your routine too often; otherwise, you will fall out of the rhythm of writing, and you might never finish your story.
You should also create a dedicated writing space that will help you stay away from distractions and focus, whether that’s a home office, a particular café you like, your bedroom, or anywhere else that feels comfortable and helps you concentrate on your writing.
Just Keep Writing
When writing your first draft (or second, third, etc.), it can be very tempting to go back during this process and make changes, especially if you have had a new idea for the plot, or you have recognized how you can make a certain scene stronger, or one that can be taken out.
However, rather than going back to these before you have completed that draft, just keep writing. If you don’t, you’ll never get to the end of it, and the whole process will get frustrating. Make a note of your ideas, but you can tweak things when you move to the editing phase.
January 2021 Update:
Do you have essay writing experience? Essay writers have so much practice writing essays, they’d know how to write all genres. This includes knowing how to write a light novel.
Editing
You should always read back what you have written and make edits, especially if you have noticed flaws or weak spots in your novel that don’t sit right with you as the author.
While doing some reading and editing yourself is essential, you should always get someone else to look over your work as well. A fresh pair of eyes will be able to see things that you might have missed or offer a new perspective on your work that can help to make it stronger.
You can find freelance editors online who will do this for you for a fee, or if you know someone who works as an editor and you trust will be honest with you regarding your work, approach them for help. It’s important to remember that this feedback isn’t personal but only highlights things that can make your work better.
Publishing
Once the editing phase has been completed, the next step is getting your novel published. If you want to send your manuscript to publishers, you might be better off trying to get a literary agent to represent you.
They will have relationships with publishers already who will be open to listening to their suggestions, which could mean your manuscript is more likely to be seen.
You could also explore the self-publishing route, which has its benefits, such as you get to keep all of the revenue from the sales of the book, minus the fees that publishing service takes, which usually cover printing costs and distribution. You can find out more about Amazon self-publishing services online or explore similar services if you prefer.
Promotion
When you are at the stage of publishing your novel, you’ll also need to work hard at promoting it if you want to make any sales.
Utilizing your social media accounts to promote your new novel is one of the most effective ways; just make sure your posts are professional and include relevant tags and content.
You could also write a blog post on your website or as a guest post on another relevant site about your writing process, the inspiration behind the story, or something else along those lines.
If you are getting published by another company and not by yourself, they might have some promotional tours, interviews, or other activities set up that you will need to take part in.
How to Write a Light Novel FAQs
Can light novels be written in English?
Yes. Light novels can be written in any language.
How many chapters should a light novel have?
Light novels are shorter than adult novels, so they will have fewer chapters. Light novels have approximately 100 pages.
Do light novels have pictures?
Yes. light novels have pictures. The pictures are often Japanese styles such as Manga and Anime.
Wrapping Up: How to Write a Light Novel
In closing, now you know how to write a light novel.
If you want to finally achieve your goal of writing a light novel and get it published, use this simple guide to help you through this process and see your dreams come true.
In closing, although this guide to writing a light novel was written with YA authors (young adult authors) in mind, these seven tips are helpful to all authors.
Readers, please share so writers learn how to write a light novel.
I look forward to your views in the comments section.
Do you have suggestions for how to write a light novel not shared in this post?
Authors: Janice Wald and Editorial Staff
Janice Wald is the founder of MostlyBlogging.com and co-founder of the Mostly Blogging Academy. She is an ebook author, blogger, blogging coach, blogging judge, freelance writer, and speaker. She won the Best Internet Marketer Award and the Best Blogger Award at the 2021 Infinity Blog Awards. Wald was also nominated as 2019 Best Internet Marketer by the Infinity Blog Awards and in 2017 as the Most Informative Blogger by the London Bloggers Bash. She’s been featured on Small Business Trends, the Huffington Post, and Lifehack.
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