How to put a Syosetu story on a Kindle with calibre

You can put a Shousetsuka ni Narou story on a Kindle without using Amazon’s Send to Kindle service. Download the story as an EPUB with WP Downloader, add it to calibre, convert it to AZW3, and transfer it to your Kindle over USB.

This works for Japanese stories on ncode.syosetu.com and novel18.syosetu.com. EPUB downloads from WP Downloader are free, and you do not need to install anything or sign in to a Syosetu account.

What you need

Have these ready:

• The web address of the Syosetu story
• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
• calibre installed on the computer
• A Kindle e-reader
• A USB connection between the Kindle and computer

A Syosetu story address usually looks like this:

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n1234ab/

Use the main story address instead of a link to one chapter. WP Downloader downloads the whole story from Syosetu and does not support individual chapters or story lists from this site.

Step 1: Download the story with WP Downloader

Open the Syosetu downloader in your browser.

1. Copy the story’s address from syosetu.com.
2. Paste it into the downloader box.
3. Wait for WP Downloader to detect the site and prepare the story.
4. Choose EPUB as the output format.
5. Turn on the image option if you want to include the story’s images.
6. Download the EPUB to your computer.

EPUB is free for everyone. You can also download a PDF after signing in with Discord for free. For this method, start with EPUB so calibre can convert the book to AZW3.

WP Downloader does not create MOBI or AZW3 files. It also cannot update an existing EPUB when the author publishes more chapters. To get those chapters, download the Syosetu story again and repeat the transfer.

Step 2: Add the EPUB to calibre

Open calibre and select Add books, then choose the EPUB you downloaded from WP Downloader.

The story will appear in your calibre library. You can edit its metadata or cover before converting it if you want to change how it appears in the library.

You can also check the EPUB in calibre’s e-book viewer. Its Read aloud feature can read the story on your computer.

Step 3: Convert the EPUB to AZW3

Select the story in your calibre library and choose Convert books.

Set the output format to AZW3 and start the conversion. calibre will keep the original EPUB in its library and create a separate AZW3 version.

AZW3 is a Kindle format that you can transfer over USB. Kindle e-readers still open AZW3 and MOBI files copied this way. Amazon’s Send to Kindle service no longer accepts MOBI, but that restriction does not apply to files copied directly to the device.

Step 4: Transfer the story over USB

Connect the Kindle to your computer. After calibre recognizes it, select the converted story and choose Send to device.

calibre will copy the book to the Kindle over USB. Once the transfer finishes, you can open the story on the Kindle and read it offline.

For wireless transfer instructions, see how to send Syosetu stories to Kindle. You can also read the guide to putting Syosetu stories on a Kobo.

FAQ

Do I need a Syosetu account?

No. WP Downloader can download whole stories from ncode.syosetu.com and novel18.syosetu.com without a sign-in.

Can WP Downloader create an AZW3 or MOBI file?

No. WP Downloader creates EPUB and PDF files. Download the EPUB and use calibre to convert it to AZW3 or MOBI.

Why use AZW3 if Send to Kindle no longer accepts MOBI?

Send to Kindle and USB transfer work differently. Amazon’s service no longer accepts MOBI, but Kindle e-readers still open MOBI and AZW3 files copied over USB.

Can I transfer one Syosetu chapter?

WP Downloader downloads whole Syosetu stories only. It does not support individual chapters or story lists from this site.

How do I get newly published chapters?

Download the complete story again with WP Downloader. Add the new EPUB to calibre, convert it, and transfer the updated book to your Kindle.