Chapter 14 · updated 2026-10-21

Making Your Own Doujinshi: Planning a Short Adult Comic

Many readers of doujinshi eventually wonder what it would take to make one. A short self-published comic is an achievable project for a single person, provided it is planned realistically. This article outlines the stages of producing a short adult doujinshi, from concept to sale. It focuses on process and practicalities; it is not a guide to explicit content, and all characters must be fictional adults.

Before starting

Set a realistic scope

First projects often fail because they are too ambitious. A sensible first doujinshi is:

• Short – somewhere around 12 to 24 pages of story.
• Self-contained – a single complete story, not the start of a series.
• Limited in cast – two or three characters.
• Limited in settings – one or two locations, to reduce background work.

Original or derivative

Decide whether to create original characters or a fan work based on an existing series. Original work avoids rights issues and can be sold more freely. Derivative work may find an audience faster but must respect any published fan-work guidelines from the rights holder; some prohibit adult fan works entirely. See what is doujinshi for background.

Check the rules

Before drawing, read the content rules of the platform or event where you intend to sell. These cover age requirements for characters, censorship requirements, prohibited themes and, increasingly, AI disclosure.

Concept and script

Start with a one-sentence premise: who the characters are, where they are and what changes between the first page and the last. Short adult stories often work best when built around a clear emotional arc, such as a confession, a reunion or a misunderstanding resolved.

Then write a script:

• Divide the story into scenes.
• Note what happens on each page.
• Draft the dialogue, keeping it brief; speech bubbles hold little text.
• Mark key moments that should fall on a page turn.

Character archetypes can help define personalities quickly, but give characters at least one trait that goes beyond the type.

Thumbnails

Thumbnails, called name (ネーム) in Japanese manga production, are rough page layouts showing panels, figures and bubbles. They are the most important planning step:

• Draw them small and fast.
• Check reading flow from top right to bottom left (for Japanese-style layout) or left to right (if publishing in a Western format).
• Vary panel sizes for pacing.
• Read the thumbnails in sequence to test the story before committing to final art.

Thumbnails are cheap to change; finished pages are not.

Art production

The usual stages are pencils, inks, tones and lettering, described in manga art techniques. Practical advice:

• Design characters first, with turnaround sketches, so they stay consistent.
• Work in batches – pencil all pages, then ink all pages – to keep the style uniform.
• Prepare backgrounds efficiently, reusing a location from different angles.
• Plan censorship early if selling in Japan, using composition, bubbles and effects to reduce reliance on heavy mosaics. See censorship and mosaics.

Optional: AI-assisted sketches and references

Some creators now use AI image tools for parts of the preparation, such as generating pose references, lighting studies or costume ideas before drawing by hand. Used this way, the tool works much like a reference photo collection. Disclosure: avhentai.net is run by the team behind AiNudeGirls; its anime cosplay generator is one example of a tool some people use to explore costume and character concepts for fictional adults. Whatever tools are used, check the selling platform’s rules, and disclose AI use clearly where it appears in the finished work.

Covers and lettering

The cover sells the book. It should show the main character clearly, carry the title and circle name, and display any required age mark. Adult covers sold in Japan are expected not to be explicit themselves. Lettering should be legible at the final print or screen size.

Print or digital

Print

Printing suits creators who want to sell at events or through consignment shops.

• Use a doujin printer familiar with standard sizes and deadlines.
• Choose a size such as B5 or A5 and a page count that fits the binding method.
• Order a modest print run for a first book; unsold stock is a common burden.
• Book event tables well ahead.

Digital

Digital release is cheaper and reaches readers worldwide.

• No printing costs or unsold stock.
• Works stay on sale indefinitely.
• Translations can be added later.

Many circles combine both, selling print at events and digital editions afterwards.

Selling on DLsite and similar platforms

DLsite is one of the most common platforms for independent adult doujin releases. The general process on such platforms is:

1. Register as a creator or circle and complete any identity and payment steps.
2. Prepare files in the required format, plus sample pages and a cover image.
3. Write an accurate description and apply appropriate tags, including any AI label.
4. Set a price and submit for review.
5. Address any feedback from the platform’s content review.

Fanza and other stores have their own registration and review processes. Fees, payment schedules and rules differ, so read the creator terms of each.

After release

• Share sample pages and the store link on social media.
• Respond to reader feedback and note what worked.
• Keep records of sales and costs.
• Plan the next, slightly larger project.

Summary

• Keep a first doujinshi short, self-contained and limited in cast and settings.
• Script and thumbnails do most of the planning work.
• Follow standard art stages and plan for censorship if selling in Japan.
• AI tools can assist with references, but disclosure and platform rules apply.
• Choose print, digital or both, and read each platform’s creator terms.