How to Add Syosetu Stories to Calibre
To add a Shousetsuka ni Narou story to calibre, download it as an EPUB with WP Downloader and import the file with calibre’s Add books option. WP Downloader is a free web tool, so you do not need to install it.
Download the Syosetu story as an EPUB
Find the story you want on ncode.syosetu.com or novel18.syosetu.com. A typical story address looks like this:
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n1234ab/Copy the story URL and open the Syosetu downloader. Paste the link into the box, and WP Downloader will detect the site.
Choose EPUB as the output format. EPUB is free for everyone and can be added directly to calibre. You can also include the story’s images.
WP Downloader downloads the whole story from Syosetu. Single chapters and lists are not supported, and you do not need to sign in. Syosetu stories are in Japanese, so the downloaded book will contain Japanese text.
You can also download a PDF after signing in with Discord for free. EPUB is a convenient choice for calibre because you can read it, edit its metadata, convert it, or transfer it to another device.
For more help with downloading, see the Syosetu download guide.
Add the EPUB to calibre
calibre is a free e-book manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. After the EPUB finishes downloading:
- Open calibre on your computer.
- Select Add books.
- Find the EPUB downloaded from WP Downloader.
- Select the file to import it into your library.
The story will appear with the other books in your library. Select it to view its details or open it in calibre’s e-book viewer.
You can edit the title, author, cover, and other metadata in calibre. Consistent metadata makes a large web-novel collection easier to browse. It can also help you sort Japanese titles or give related stories the same naming style.
Read the story in calibre
Open the imported EPUB in calibre’s e-book viewer to read it offline on your computer.
The viewer also has a Read aloud feature for listening to the book instead of reading it on screen.
Convert the story for another device
WP Downloader creates EPUB and PDF files. It does not create MOBI, AZW3, or TXT files.
If your device or reading app needs another format, calibre can convert the EPUB to formats such as AZW3, MOBI, or PDF. Select the book and choose the format you need when converting it.
You may want to keep the original EPUB in your calibre library as a source copy, even if you convert it for a particular device.
Send the book to an e-reader over USB
calibre can send books to an e-reader connected to your computer by USB. Connect the device, select the Syosetu story in calibre, and send it to the e-reader.
You can transfer the EPUB as it is when the device supports it, or convert it in calibre first.
For a Kindle, follow the Syosetu to Kindle guide. Kobo readers can use the guide to read Syosetu stories on Kobo.
Manage new chapters and updated copies
WP Downloader cannot add new chapters to an EPUB you already have. When a Syosetu story gets new chapters, paste its URL into WP Downloader again and download the whole story as a new file.
Add the new EPUB to calibre and choose which copy to keep. Checking the title and other metadata can help you tell the downloads apart. Any metadata or cover changes made to the earlier copy may need to be applied again because the new download is a separate file.
FAQ
Do I need a Syosetu account?
No. You do not need to sign in to download stories from ncode.syosetu.com or novel18.syosetu.com with WP Downloader.
Can WP Downloader download one Syosetu chapter?
No. WP Downloader downloads whole Syosetu stories only. It does not download individual chapters or lists from this site.
Can I add a Syosetu EPUB directly to calibre?
Yes. Download the story as an EPUB, open calibre, choose Add books, and select the downloaded file.
Can WP Downloader create an AZW3 or MOBI file?
No. WP Downloader creates EPUB and PDF files, and PDF requires a free Discord sign-in. You can use calibre to convert an EPUB to AZW3, MOBI, or PDF.
How do I get newly published chapters?
Download the whole story again with WP Downloader. It does not update an existing EPUB with new chapters.