A method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of: light-exposing to infrared radiation, a heat-sensitive presensitized plate of a positive-working mode for use in making a lithographic printing plate, said presensitized plate comprising a substrate and an image recording layer which is formed thereon and comprises a novolak resin containing xylenol as a monomer component and an infrared absorbing dye; and developing the light-exposed plate with an alkaline developing solution comprising at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants.