We’re looking for submissions across six project types! The first light novel project contest is being held! The submission deadline is November 30, 2025!
BookBase Co., Ltd. Press release: October 30, 2025 To Members of the Press We’re accepting submissions for six project types! The first Light Novel Project Contest is being held! The submission deadline is November 30, 2025! Dangan Bunko is holding a light novel proposal contest, accepting submissions based on six specific proposal types! Entrants can submit with just a plan (plot), and after their submission is selected, they will work with an editor to complete and publish their work. ◆What is the “Light Novel Planning Contest”? While various techniques have been devised for light novels recently, this contest asks, “Are there new possibilities that can only be born when authors and editors work together to refine a story?” This is an attempt to discover the next generation of light novel writers, not just their works. To gauge your talent as a writer, we are accepting submissions based on six specific project types. Please submit innovative, never-before-seen projects while utilizing the general elements provided. Submissions are accepted with just a plan (plot). Winning proposals will be polished by the editor in charge, with the aim of completing the work and publishing it.
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First Light Novel Project Contest ◆Contest Details Eligible Works – Works that fall under the [Project Type] section below (choose one of A to F when submitting) ・Works with a male protagonist ・Works that can be made into a series ・Works with a theme/message Project Type A [Main Character] Unspecified / [Setting/Genre] Survival / [Work Direction] Thrilling B [Main Character] Creator / [Setting/Genre] Contemporary / [Work Direction] Passionate C [Main Character] Unspecified / [Setting/Genre] Post-apocalyptic / [Story Direction] Youth D [Main Character] Psychic / [Setting/Genre] Occult / [Story Direction] Battle E [Main Character] Male-female buddy couple / [Setting/Genre] Travel / [Story Direction] Serious F [Main Character] Villain / [Setting/Genre] Unspecified / [Work Direction] Rise to Power Eligibility Professionals and amateurs welcome. Both debuted and undebuted authors are welcome to apply. Regarding the Review All reviews will be conducted by editors affiliated with Dangan Bunko. Maximum number of applications The proposal (plot) and the main text will be reviewed. There is a limit to the number of works we can review, so we will limit it to 600. Schedule First round of judging deadline: November 30, 2025 (proposal & plot format, limit of 600 submissions) First round results announced: Late December 2025 Second round judging deadline: January 31, 2026 (up to the first 20,000 characters) Second round results announced: Late February 2026 *Announcements will be made on the official Dangan Bunko website and official social media accounts. In addition, the announcement may be delayed depending on the number of applications. How to Apply Please apply by filling out the required fields on the recruitment website below.
https://lp.bookbase.jp/bosyu/UXCr8qbf *Please be sure to check the recruitment website and submission form for details such as
application rules before applying.
