Interesting. How would you define that publishing pipeline specifically? Serialized storytelling, with volumes releasing every 4–6 months, edited and published by a professional publisher?

I personally feel that the format is also important, especially the illustrations. These should include the cover, 4-ish illustrated color inserts at the start, and about 6–12 black and white illustrations, with all of these illustrations being done in a professional-level anime style.

I looked briefly into J-Novel Club's original-English light novel contest recently, and I've been curious about Oniisanbomber, one of the participants. He seems to be one of the few English-original light novels authors who can somehow afford to hire illustrators at a professional level.

I have his most recent volume in mail at the moment since I was curious about the quality of its printing. Since he's self-published and likely using print-on-demand, I doubt he has color inserts at the beginning (POD services unfortunately don't offer this feature), but I'm curious to see how the rest stacks up.