Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 1 - Chapter Aft

Afterword

HEY THERE. I’M TAKIBI AMAMORI, THIS YEAR’S recipient of the Gagaga Award in the 15th annual Shogakukan Light Novel Awards. I am going to take the liberty of assuming that, because you have this book, you too are a gentleman/woman of taste with an appreciation for those heroines of a losing aspect.

The tears they shed, the heartbreak they suffer, the strength with which they face overwhelming odds, and the grace they flourish when the one they love chooses another—this is the ­losing heroine, and they embody everything there is to love about rom-coms. Through this novel, it is my sincerest hope that you see in losers the things that I do.

I am now going to invoke debut privileges so I can thank people at length.

Firstly, all those involved in the award selection process. I certainly wouldn’t be writing this if not for you. Guest judge Carlo Zen-sensei, your constructive criticism in particular was invaluable to me during the editing process. I am extremely grateful.

Imigimuru-sensei, you brought life to the characters. Nukumizu, Yanami, and the rest of the gang owe their beautiful and picturesque world to you, and I can’t properly put into words how it feels to see them in it. Thank you.

To all involved in the marketing and the otherwise behind-the-scenes work, and even the many bookstore employees, I thank you for getting my book into people’s hands. It wouldn’t have made it there without you.

I-senpai and Mr. D, your initial comments on the intro when I had barely started are what helped shape and guide this story to its final destination.

T-senpai, Mr. N, and Mr. W. A first draft is just that, only a first, and without your patient and thorough read-throughs, that destination might have been something else entirely.

When my work first came out online, I received so much invaluable feedback from so many readers. Your words have helped further me on my journey as a writer, and I hope we can continue to walk on it hand-in-hand.

To my editor, Mr. Iwaasa, words do no justice. Your patience for this oh-so green and sluggish author truly knows no bounds. Looking back, I can clearly see the picture that was put together, piece by piece, during this entire process. It was genuinely enlightening to see the transformation from draft to final product. I know there’s still much I have to learn about the professional industry, and I’m confident the experience and skills you gave me will be ones that I continue to exercise for some time.

Lastly, I’d like to dedicate this book to my father, who let me bum around, unemployed, long before I had so much as a single toe on the ground in the author world. Thanks, Dad.