Question Regarding Workload Expectations and also genre category for the 2026 Original Light Novel Contest
-
Hello J-Novel Club Team,
My name is Marc aka MJ/MeeJay17, and I am a senior high school student from the Philippines. I am very interested in entering the 2026 Original Light Novel Contest because writing light novels has been one of my biggest goals.
Before I prepare my submission next September, I would like to ask a question about the workload and expectations if a participant were fortunate enough to win and receive a publishing contract.
Since I am still a student, my parents are concerned that a publishing contract might interfere with my studies. My education is my highest priority, and I also want to respect my family's wishes.
If I were fortunate enough to win the contest, would it be possible to work with the editorial team to arrange writing deadlines around my academic schedule? For example, would it be possible to do most of my writing during summer vacation and school breaks, while having a lighter workload during the regular school year, as long as the schedule is discussed and mutually agreed upon?
I completely understand that every contract and publishing schedule may be different. I am simply asking so that I can better understand whether this kind of arrangement is generally possible before deciding to participate in the contest.
And for the question of the contest genre, should the genre be mainly isekai, fantasy related? Or other genres are allowed for submission such as scifi, mecha, modern romance, thriller and psychology. (I'm currently doing my outline for a contemporary romance)
Thank you very much for your time and for reading my message. I truly appreciate any guidance you can provide. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
MJ
Philippines -
@MeeJay17 Hi,
I see you have also sent in an email. I have responded to you there.
IN the future, we kindly ask for you to limit your questions to the forums or email.
Multiple locations for the same question can lead to confusion on if it has been addressed.
Thank you
