A Look at American Light Novel Publishers

Light novels are a popular form of Japanese literature, typically aimed at young adult readers. Over the years, they have gained immense popularity in the United States, with a growing number of American publishers acquiring and translating these books for English-speaking audiences. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most prominent American light novel publishers.

Yen Press

Yen Press is one of the leading publishers of light novels in the United States. The company was founded in 2006 as a joint venture between Hachette Book Group and Kadokawa Corporation. Yen Press is known for licensing and releasing some of the most popular light novel series such as Sword Art Online, Overlord, and Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World. The publisher releases some of the most sought-after light novels, manga, and graphic novels, making it one of the must-visit publishers for anyone looking for high-quality translations of Japanese light novels.

Vertical

Vertical is another well-known light novel publisher based in the United States. The company is known for publishing some of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling light novel series, including the “Monogatari” series, “Garden of Words,” and “Seraph of the End.” The publisher is also known to release some of the most visually aesthetic books that not only cater to readers but also collectors.

Kodansha USA Publishing

Kodansha USA Publishing is a subsidiary of Kodansha, one of the largest publishers in Japan. The publisher is responsible for the English-language editions of some of the most popular manga and light novel series, such as FAIRY TAIL, Attack on Titan, and The Seven Deadly Sins. Kodansha USA Publishing has been active in the publishing of light novels since 2013, with its first light novel translation being “No. 6.” The company’s reliable translations and excellent publishing make it one of the best options for fans looking to collect light novels.

J-Novel Club

Founded in 2016, J-Novel Club specializes in publishing light novels, web novels, and even manga. The unique thing about J-Novel Club is that it allows readers to read light novels that are currently being translated in real-time on its website. Initially, it began as an online community of fans, but over the years, the platform has grown, and fans have started to take the platform seriously as an official publisher. J-Novel Club has released several popular titles, including Ascendance of a Bookworm, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, and How Not to Summon a Demon Lord, among others.

Conclusion

As the North American hunger for light novels increases, so does the number of publishers to cater to this demand. In addition to the above publishers, there are also publishers like Seven Seas Entertainment and VIZ Media that have been building up impressive collections of light novels in recent years. As a light novel enthusiast, with so many reliable publishers to choose from, it’s an exciting time to dive into the world of light novels.

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