I never did finish Teogonia. I read the first half or so back when it was on prepub. It was interesting. I suppose I'll finish it up now and see where it went.

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.

I extend my thanks to whoever calls the shot once again, for their seems still to be an interest in dark fantasy, or rather, bluntly put, more sterner and more steely selections.
Looking forward to Revenge of the Soul Eater and Bullet Hellion. The former's something I've wanted ever since its inception.

@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.

Sorry for not posting April's expires last month. March's expires are processed, so here is both April's and May's expires:

Expiring April 15, 2025:

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Vol. 19 Otherside Picnic Vol. 9 When Supernatural Battles Vol. 13 D-Genesis Vol. 8 Cooking with Wild Game Vol. 27 Knight's & Magic Vol. 6 Countess Is a Coward No More! Vol. 2 Heavenly Swords of the Twin Stars Vol. 5 From Old Country Bumpkin Vol. 6 From Villainess to Healer Vol. 2 Housekeeping Mage Vol. 9 Labyrinth of Marielle Clarac Vol. 12 Black Summoner Vol. 20 Earl and Fairy Vol. 10 Livid Lady's Guide to Getting Even Vol. 5 My Quiet Blacksmith Life Vol. 10 Butareba Vol. 6 I Could Never Be a Succubus! Vol. 6 Dahlia in Bloom Vol. 9 I Shall Survive Using Potions Vol. 10 I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons Vol. 3 I Parry Everything Vol. 8 Mythical Hero Vol. 10 Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon Vol. 10 Private Tutor Vol. 15 Lady Rose Vol. 2 Chillin in Another World Vol. 17 Hell Mode Vol. 9 Now I'm a Demon Lord! Vol. 12 Nia Liston Vol. 6 They Don’t Know I’m Too Young Vol. 1 Hero-Killing Bride Vol. 2

Expiring May 15, 2025:

From Two-Bit Baddie to Total Heartthrob Vol. 3 EXP Is Golden Vol. 2 Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 5 Tearmoon Empire Vol. 15 Dimension Wave Vol. 3 Poison King Vol. 4 The Hero and the Sage, Reincarnated and Engaged Vol. 4 Disowned but Not Disheartened Vol. 2 Frontier Lord Begins with Zero Subjects Vol. 8 Trials and Tribulations Vol. 2 Part 1 Isekai Walking Vol. 2 Isekai Tensei Vol. 10 Strongest Exorcist in Another World Vol. 4 Lady Bumpkin and Her Lord Villain Vol. 3 100th Time's the Charm Vol. 3 The Villainess Is Dead Vol. 1 Fluffy-Eared Realm Restoration Vol. 1 Three Cheats from Three Goddesses Vol. 1 Abducted Princess Running Rampant Vol. 1 I'm a Noble on the Brink of Ruin Vol. 6 Magic Stone Gourmet Vol. 9 The Legendary Witch Is Reborn Vol. 4 My Stepmom's Daughter is My Ex Vol. 12