Crest/Banner of the stars is great... got the hardcovers sitting on my shelf. 😌

Even though I still hate the decision to rename the characters, and always will 😒

Many of these I quite enjoyed so far.
One I noped out of fast...had to force myself to finish the first section, it was that fast a Nope. ...I've already seen comments thinking it's da bomb, so clearly YMMV.
And the manga concerning Crow...looks like it will hit what the LN was focusing upon nicely, but the LN didn't hold my interest. It wasn't a bad concept, wasn't badly done, but slipped off my reading list for some reason; wasn't in the right mood, I guess. Anyway, if you enjoyed the LN I'd recommend taking a look at the manga.

Only 18 in the completed works category? I wasn't too confident about my entry there, but just 18 novels feels more like this is a second round type deal.

@kitason said in [JNC LIGHT NOVEL CONTEST 2025] Round 1 Judging for "Ongoing Series" & “Completed”Category Announced!:

As a new writer, I tried not to expect too much to happen this year, but I could not help being hopeful. As others have mentioned, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for us to have our works adapted to Japanese, manga, or a potential anime. An anime is an ultimate dream, but to be honest, I would be perfectly happy and extremely grateful to simply have one volume published for people around the world to enjoy, even if it has a smaller fanbase than many. As a new writer, I was proud of myself for committing to this novel, writing a story I enjoyed, and enjoying myself while writing it. Right now, it feels wonderful to be able to say "I wrote a novel" even if nobody will be reading it yet. It is like a whole new world has opened up. I have also appreciated reading this forum and seeing how genuine and friendly the other writers are and how willing they are to help each other when you could argue that we are all rivals with the same goal.

One final question I have is this: Are these contests the only way to really land a publishing opportunity with Japan Novel Club, or are there other opportunities?

A question I'm sure many of us want answered. I feel as though that the competition by design doesn't quite do as good a job as it could in leading to authors outside of Japan getting a publishing deal. While I do think the prizes should remain the same, I do feel some of the finalists that don't win or even those that fail to pass the first round, shouldn't just be cast aside until they're resubmitted to the next iteration of the contest. I know it's a sad fact that often times publishers will reject something that can potentially become the next big thing, but I feel trying to create a better system that could allow those living outside of Japan a better chance of getting a publishing deal, should at the very least be taken into consideration.

@anony-mouse99 said in J-Novel Club survey request:

As for English-sourced web novels, I’m mostly meh with it. It has to do with the world-view and cultural aspect. I grew up reading English authors.

Same for me. If I want to read English-sourced fantasy or SF, I'll read traditional novels from people like Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, L.E. Modesitt Jr., David Drake (RIP), etc. from old-school publishers like Baen and Tor.

Translated Japanese LNs give me a different set of clichés and culture, while English LNs and LitRPGs feel like an imitation to my snobby self. That's just my bias, I'm happy for those that enjoy them.

@ailuo

Hello,

While we strive to offer all of our licensed series for rental that is not always an option.

There is no specific date for when series that do not have a rental option will.

If you wish to read the book your only option is purchasing the ebook.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

April's books have expired; here's what's expiring in June:

Expiring June 16, 2025:

Ideal Sponger Life Vol. 15 Diary of a Middle-Aged Sage Vol. 6 Misfit of Demon King Academy Vol. 9 Let This Grieving Soul Retire Vol. 7 VTuber Legend Vol. 9 The Boy Who Ruled the Monsters Vol. 3 Seirei Gensouki Vol. 26 Great Cleric Vol. 11 Tiny Witch from the Deep Woods: Vol. 1 Management of a Novice Alchemist Vol. 5 Peddler in Another World Vol. 10 Apothecary Diaries Vol. 14 Livid Lady's Guide to Getting Even Vol. 6 Introvert's Hookup Hiccups Vol. 10 Mercedes and the Waning Moon Vol. 2 Imperial Reincarnation Vol. 2 An Archdemon's Dilemma/Elf Bride Vol. 19 Cooking with Wild Game Vol. 28 Water Magician Arc 1 Vol. 4 Bullet Hellion Vol. 1 Dungeon Dive Vol. 10 Goodbye, Overtime! Vol. 4 The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows: Vol. 6 My Next Life as a Villainess Vol. 14 Reincarnator and Goblin Maiden's Happily Ever After Vol. 3 No One Gets Past This Gatekeeper Vol. 4 You Were Experienced Vol. 7 Long Story Short, I'm Living in the Mountains: Vol. 1 Revenge of the Soul Eater: Vol. 1 My Fiancé Cheated, But a New Love Rings! Vol. 1 From Villainess to Healer Vol. 3 Record of Wortenia War Vol. 28 Now I'm a Demon Lord! Vol. 13 Ascendance of a Bookworm: Hannelore Vol. 1