At a glance, you can tell by the format. Manga is presented in a comic - book - like format with panels of illustrations. Light novels look like regular books with text. Just pick it up, and if it's filled with pictures and speech bubbles, it's manga; if it's mostly text, it's a light novel.
The cover can also be a giveaway. Manga covers usually feature colorful and dynamic illustrations of the main characters or a key scene from the story. Light novel covers might also have an illustration, but they tend to be more focused on the title and the author's name, with the illustration being a bit more subdued in comparison. Also, the thickness of the book can sometimes be an indicator. Manga volumes are often thinner compared to light novels which can be quite thick due to the amount of text.
Look at the cover. Fact books often have more straightforward titles related to the subject matter, like 'The History of Ancient Rome'. Fiction books may have more creative, evocative titles. Also, the cover art can give it away. A fact book might have a photo or a simple design related to the topic, while a fiction book may have a more artistic or fantastical illustration.
One way is to look at the sources. Nonfiction usually cites real sources. Fiction doesn't. For example, a nonfiction book on World War II will have references to historical archives. A fiction novel about the war might be more about a fictional character's experience.
The layout also gives it away. Scholarly articles often have a standard format with sections like introduction, literature review, etc. Pulp fiction is usually just a continuous story without such formal sections. Also, the cover or appearance of the publication can be a clue. Scholarly works look more professional and plain, while pulp fiction may have flashy covers.
One way is to look at the length. Usually, light novels tend to be shorter than traditional novels. Also, if there are anime - style illustrations throughout the book, it's likely a light novel. Another indicator is the target audience. If it seems to be aimed at a younger, anime - loving crowd, it's probably a light novel.
One way is to check the sources. Reputable sources usually deal with facts. For example, scientific journals for scientific facts. If it's from a fictional story - teller like a fantasy novelist, it's likely fiction. Also, look for evidence. If there's none, it might be fiction.
Look at the publication format. If it's mainly available on the internet, it's likely a web novel. If it's in print form, it could be a light novel. Also, the origin can be a clue. If it's from a Japanese publisher with a certain aesthetic and format, it might be a light novel.
To distinguish between them, look at the art, the format, and the cultural context. Comics tend to have a wide variety of art styles but are often more in line with Western artistic sensibilities. Manga has very recognizable art forms such as the way characters are drawn, and the reading direction is from right to left. Graphic novels are more about a complete, self - contained story. In terms of format, comics may be serialized in a series of issues. Manga is often serialized in magazines in Japan first. Graphic novels are more like a single - volume or multi - volume set that tells a full story. Also, the cultural themes in manga are often distinctively Japanese, while comics can cover a broader range of Western - based cultural ideas, and graphic novels can be more universal in their exploration of themes.
Look at the art style. Manga usually has very characteristic Japanese - influenced art. Characters often have large, expressive eyes, and the line work can be very detailed yet have a certain simplicity. Graphic novels can have a much more diverse range of art styles from very realistic to highly stylized but not typically with that distinct manga look.
A story is often shorter and more straightforward. It usually focuses on a single plot or event and can be told simply. A novel, on the other hand, is more complex and longer. It has multiple sub - plots, more in - depth character development, and often explores various themes.
A light novel often has a more straightforward structure. It usually has a clear and simple plot progression with not too many sub - plots. General novels can have complex structures with multiple sub - plots intertwined.