Surprised that kind of comment here.
I think I already explained it in my level 60 post but the short version is… you are never ready. If I remember correctly the first light novel I read was after 3-4 years of self learning. I started because I wanted reading practice and the first book club was created. I started reading 1 hour per pages. Pretty slow eh! I read and read and read until now I can read faster. It’s the habits that help getting hangs of kanji readings, expressions, way of speaking, sentence structures etc… There is plenty of time when I don’t get everything.
I can get the gist of light novels but each of them uses different expresisons, way of writing, etc…
Even after around 6 years of learning I still have trouble sometimes.
I’m kinda comfortable reading but don’t wait until you are because you will never be without practice. I would advice joining a book club (depending on your level) and start practicing. Nothing shameful about asking questions about grammar here.(I did it a lot and still do)
Not sure if that answer your questions but the best way to get good at something is practice.
My learning journey was full of try and retry, method changing and others. I suggest finding a method you prefer. If you really want to see what I or other people did just look at their level 60 stories. Lots of good stuff in there.
I hope I did no discouraged you and answered all your questions. I really hope you will suceed in your learning. It’s so much fun to know Japanese and has lots of good perks. Reading light novel not translated and annoying your friends that don’t read Japanese that you can read farther than them cough
If you have other question don’t hesitate, everyone is nice here. 