《Epic Heroine》
Inspired by titles like "Secrets of the Silent Witch," the first sub-prompt category should feature a female protagonist whose overwhelming strength contrasts with her endearing "flaws".
Inspired by
Write the hero the world is waiting for.
Create an Epic Heroine or a Tragic Hero, and win up to $5,000 — and a real path to publication with KADOKAWA in Japan.
Illustrator: 玲衣(Rei)
In partnership with
KADOKAWA Corporation is a Japanese publisher known for releasing popular light novels such as Overlord, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, and Sword Art Online.
This contest is being held to discover outstanding storytelling talent not just from Japan, but from around the world.
About the contest
What does it mean to be a hero? Is it simply using your power to help those in need, or perhaps it is having the courage to step forward and perform a noble act?
KADOKAWA returns for the MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2026, seeking extraordinary Fantasy tales that explore one of the following two types of protagonists: 《Epic Heroine》 or 《Tragic Hero》. Whether bathed in glory or burdened by sorrow, each story should center on a heroic protagonist so compelling that readers cannot help but follow them to the very end.
- Entry fee
- Free
- Writing platform
- Honeyfeed
- Voting platform
- MyAnimeList
- Age
- 18 years old or older on or before January 1, 2027
- language
- Your novel must be written in English
- Word count
- Minimum: 50,000 words. Maximum: 80,000 words
- Novel entry period
- July 6, 2026, at 20:00 EDT to September 27, 2026, at 23:59 EDT
- Judges voting period
- September 28 to November 24, 2026
- Public voting period (Finals)
- November 25, 2026 at 21:00 EST to December 23, 2026, at 23:59 EST
- Winners announced
- January 7, 2027
Prize
A KADOKAWA editor and a professional Japanese light novel author will be assigned to your work, and revise the manuscript in collaboration with you and The Hivemind Literary Agency, towards publication. With KADOKAWA's final approval, the novel will be adapted into Japanese, illustrated by a professional light novel artist, and published in Japan as a light novel. Machine translation tools may be used as a reference during the Japanese translation process. English-language digital publication worldwide will also be considered.
Grand Prize
$5,000 USD
1 per sub-prompt category for a maximum of 2 total.
The Grand Prize Winner(s)’ novels will be scheduled for publication by KADOKAWA in Japan as a light novel, subject to KADOKAWA’s final approval.
Important: The Grand Prize may not be awarded if no submission meets the standards for publication.
Runner-Up Prize
$3,000 USD
Runner-Up Prizes will only be awarded if no Grand Prize winner is selected, for a total of two winners.
KADOKAWA might offer Runner-Up Prize winners publication of their winning novel in Japan as a light novel.
Prize Conditions
To receive a prize, you will be required to enter into a separate written agreement with qdopp, Inc., one of the administrators and the company that operates The Hivemind Literary Agency, appointing qdopp, Inc. as your exclusive agent for a minimum one-year term in negotiating the publication, sale, license or other commercialization of your novel for which you have been awarded a prize on a commission basis. You may also be required to provide an affidavit of eligibility to receive a prize.
Contest Prompt
Main-Prompt FANTASYChoose one of the two sub-prompts below.
《Epic Heroine》
Inspired by
Inspired by titles like "Secrets of the Silent Witch," the first sub-prompt category should feature a female protagonist whose overwhelming strength contrasts with her endearing "flaws".
《Tragic Hero》
Inspired by
Following in the footsteps of titles like "Sentenced to be a Hero," the second sub-prompt category should feature a male protagonist who rises from the depths of despair through a dramatic comeback.
What Makes a Strong Fantasy Story?
When it comes to entertainment through writing, the most vital factor is the reader. Can readers genuinely get excited about reading your novel? Your story should be created with the primary goal of delivering enjoyment to the audience. How can you guarantee entertainment in your Fantasy contest submission?
A Story with Captivating Characters
Protagonists
An overwhelmingly captivating protagonist who inspires admiration and empathy in readers is the central focus of a successful Fantasy novel. Readers move through the story by admiring, empathizing with, or sometimes even growing frustrated with the protagonist, their allies, their rivals, and the other characters around them. Captivating characters are what draw readers into the story and drive it forward.
Companion
Most protagonists cannot change the world alone. They need a companion who helps them, inspires them, makes the protagonist want to do something for them, or sometimes causes conflict. A compelling companion character—someone readers enjoy spending time with alongside the protagonist—is an essential part of an engaging story.
Supporting Characters
A story with only the protagonist, or the protagonist and partner, often becomes flat. Supporting characters give depth to the story's world. They might be a trickster who draws the protagonist into the story, or an enemy who torments the protagonist. They should feel like real individuals with their own motives, histories, and presence within the world.
We are looking for stories featuring such captivating characters in both the《Epic Heroine》and《Tragic Hero》sub-prompts. There are mainly two patterns for a protagonist's charm: "A protagonist to be admired" or "A protagonist to be empathized with." Below, we're sharing what KADOKAWA wants from each sub-prompt's protagonist:
Voting Procedures
The judges will read all eligible novels starting September 28 and vote on the final 10 by November 24, 2026. The voting process for the jury and the public will take place from November 25 to December 23, 2026, giving newcomers and the jury sufficient time to read and evaluate the finalist novels. You can cast your vote using the MyAnimeList mobile application.
The winners of the contest will be announced on January 7, 2027.
Judges Vote
Selecting the Top 10 Finalists
All eligible novel entries will be read, discussed, and voted on by our official judging committee. Judges will evaluate entries based on the Judging Criteria and select the Top 10 finalists.
Want to Be a Judge?
Apply to become a JudgeJudge applications are open from July 6 to August 31, 2026.
Due to limited spaces, not all applicants will be selected.
Public & Jury Vote
Selecting Contest Winners
After the finalists are announced, a jury of experienced readers will review and provide constructive feedback on the Top 10 novels. The jury's feedback and scores will be combined with public votes to determine the contest's winners.
If you're an avid reader who can offer thoughtful, detailed feedback, we invite you to apply to our Jury team.
Want to Be a Jury?
Apply to become part of the JuryJury applications are open from August 31 to October 31, 2026.
Due to limited spaces, not all applicants will be selected.
Q&A
Q 1 I am not 18 years old, but I have my parents' permission to enter the contest. Can I participate?
No. There are no exceptions to the age requirement, even if you have permission from a legal guardian.
Q 2 Will I have time to make edits to my novel after the submission window closes?
No. Any changes after the submission period will disqualify your entry. We advise you to fully proofread your chapters before submitting them to Honeyfeed. Depending on the number of submissions, some judges may have already picked up your novel to read before your story is concluded.
Q 3 Can I write sequels, spin-offs, or continue my story after the contest ends?
Yes! Once the contest winners are announced, you're free to continue your story, create spin-offs, or write sequels—either on Honeyfeed or elsewhere.
Q 4 What happens to my rights if I enter the contest?
You will retain full ownership of your novel at all times, including during and after the contest. The only requirement is that your entry remains exclusive to Honeyfeed throughout the contest period—it cannot be posted, published, or shared elsewhere until the contest ends. Even if your novel is selected as a winner, you still hold all rights to your work. This exclusivity is temporary and does not affect your creative or legal ownership in any way.
Q 5 Do I need to sign an agreement to receive the prize money?
Yes. To be officially recognized as a contest winner and receive your prize money, you’ll be required to sign a contract with The Hivemind Literary Agency (the official agency of Honeyfeed’s parent company). Full details regarding this agreement will be provided directly to the winners after the public announcement of the contest winners.
Ready to write your hero's story?
Entries are free and open to writers worldwide. Publish your novel on Honeyfeed before September 27, 2026.
Detailed rules, eligibility and a submission checklist live on Honeyfeed.
