PART I — BOOK PROPOSAL (English Version)

ROMANCE OF AN-PING

The Love Story of Miss Kim

A Historical Literary Novel of Love, Colonial Taiwan, Indigenous Culture, and the Birth of a Multicultural Island

Author

Chen Wen-Han (Pen Name: Chen Qing-Yang)

Taiwanese Novelist • Poet • Literary Critic • Screenwriter • Scholar of Modern Chinese Rhetoric

1. ONE-SENTENCE HOOK

A Dutch missionary physician and a Siraya princess fall in love in seventeenth-century Taiwan, but war, colonial politics, and history itself separate them—leaving behind a legendary romance that echoes across generations. This summary reflects the novel's central conflict between personal love and historical forces.

2. STORY SYNOPSIS

Set between 1625 and 1650, Romance of An-Ping unfolds during one of the least explored yet most fascinating periods of East Asian history—the Dutch colonial era in Formosa (present-day Taiwan). Inspired by the beloved Taiwanese ballad An-Ping Reminiscence, the novel reimagines the legendary story of "Miss Kim" as a sweeping historical romance grounded in extensive historical research.

Young Dutch physician Jansen, sent by the Dominican Church to Formosa, arrives at the bustling port of An-Ping with a mission to heal the sick. His medical expertise soon earns the trust of the indigenous Siraya people after he cures malaria outbreaks and introduces modern sanitation practices to local villages.

Among those who work beside him is Princess Saiyun, daughter and heir of the Siraya chief Tapanya. Intelligent, compassionate, and already trained in traditional Chinese medicine, Saiyun becomes Jansen's assistant. Working together to save lives, they gradually fall deeply in love despite profound cultural differences.

Their romance, however, is opposed by tradition, tribal expectations, political unrest, and the ambitions of those around them. After Jansen chooses love over homeland by marrying into Saiyun's family, the couple dedicates themselves to bringing medicine to neighboring indigenous communities. Yet Dutch colonial taxation policies ignite widespread resistance, placing them at the center of an escalating conflict between indigenous villages and colonial authorities.

Forced to return to the Netherlands because of his dying father, Jansen promises Saiyun that he will return. Unknown to Saiyun, family obligations compel him into another marriage. Left behind with their unborn daughter, Saiyun continues her husband's humanitarian mission, establishing a clinic that combines Western medicine with traditional Chinese healing while waiting faithfully at An-Ping Harbor for the man she loves. Her lonely figure becomes a symbol of enduring devotion remembered by sailors and merchants alike.

Years later, their mixed-race daughter Xiuya, distinguished by her golden hair, falls in love with an English merchant. Her journey to Britain unexpectedly reunites her with the father she has never met. Filled with remorse, Jansen finally returns to Taiwan—but arrives too late. Saiyun has sacrificed her life combating a devastating smallpox epidemic. At her grave, Jansen chooses to remain in Taiwan, continuing the humanitarian work they began together and honoring the woman whose love transformed his life forever.

Blending romance, history, medicine, colonial conflict, indigenous culture, and cross-cultural identity, Romance of An-Ping tells a timeless story about love that transcends race, religion, geography, and history itself.

3. TARGET READERSHIP

This novel is intended for readers who enjoy emotionally rich historical fiction and cross-cultural narratives, including:

• Readers of historical literary fiction.
• Fans of epic love stories spanning decades and generations.
• Readers interested in Asian history and Taiwan's multicultural heritage.
• Admirers of novels exploring colonial encounters and cultural identity.
• Readers of women's historical fiction featuring resilient female protagonists.
• International readers seeking previously untold stories from East Asia.
• Book clubs interested in themes of memory, identity, sacrifice, and reconciliation.

Comparable readership includes admirers of:

• Pachinko
• Memoirs of a Geisha
• The Island of Sea Women
• Shōgun
• The Thorn Birds

4. UNIQUE SELLING POINTS

A Forgotten Chapter of World History

Unlike most historical novels set in China or Japan, Romance of An-Ping explores seventeenth-century Taiwan during Dutch colonial rule, introducing international readers to a little-known yet globally significant historical period. The historical setting and research basis are explicitly stated by the author.

An Indigenous Love Story

The novel places the Siraya people at the center of the narrative, presenting Indigenous Taiwanese culture not as background scenery but as a living civilization with its own traditions, leadership, medicine, and worldview.

East Meets West

Rather than portraying East and West in opposition, the novel depicts cooperation through medicine, compassion, education, and mutual respect.

A Strong Female Protagonist

Saiyun is far more than a romantic heroine. She is a healer, community leader, medical pioneer, and future tribal chief who ultimately dedicates her life to saving others during a smallpox epidemic.

Medical History Meets Romance

The novel combines Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, epidemic prevention, and humanitarian ideals with a deeply emotional love story, creating a narrative that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally powerful.

Universal Themes

The story explores:

• Love beyond race and nationality
• Cultural identity
• Family duty versus personal desire
• Colonialism and humanity
• Faith and sacrifice
• Medical ethics
• Hope across generations

These universal themes allow the novel to resonate with readers worldwide.

5. FILM & TELEVISION ADAPTATION POTENTIAL

Romance of An-Ping possesses exceptional cinematic qualities and strong potential for international adaptation.

Its sweeping narrative spans multiple decades, multiple countries, and richly detailed historical settings, including seventeenth-century Taiwan, Amsterdam, and England. The novel combines spectacular maritime imagery, indigenous ceremonies, colonial forts, epidemics, political conflict, and intimate human relationships into a visually compelling story. These production ambitions are consistent with the author's stated screenplay-oriented design and international co-production vision.

The story naturally lends itself to:

• Feature Film
• Premium Television Series
• International Historical Drama
• Streaming Platform Original Series

Its appeal extends across Asian, European, and North American markets through its multicultural cast, multilingual setting, and universal emotional themes.

Potential audience comparisons include productions such as:

• Shōgun
• Pachinko
• The Last Samurai
• Silence
• Outlander

The combination of romance, history, medicine, indigenous culture, and colonial politics offers strong commercial potential while maintaining literary depth suitable for prestigious international productions.

PART II — AUTHOR PROFILE & INTERNATIONAL POSITIONING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chen Wen-Han (Pen Name: Chen Qing-Yang)

Taiwanese Novelist • Poet • Literary Critic • Screenwriter • Scholar of Modern Chinese Rhetoric

Author Biography

Chen Wen-Han, writing under the pen name Chen Qing-Yang, is a Taiwanese novelist, poet, literary critic, screenwriter, and scholar specializing in modern Chinese rhetoric and literary aesthetics. His work bridges literary creation and academic research, combining artistic imagination with rigorous historical and cultural inquiry.

Over the course of his career, Chen has devoted himself to exploring Taiwan's history, society, and cultural identity through fiction. His novels often integrate historical events, philosophical reflection, romance, and humanitarian themes, while presenting Taiwanese experiences within a broader global context.

His creative vision seeks to introduce Taiwan's unique historical narratives to international readers through literary fiction that is both emotionally compelling and culturally significant.

Literary Vision

Chen believes that literature serves as a bridge between civilizations.

Rather than merely recounting historical events, his novels illuminate the emotional lives of ordinary people whose destinies are shaped by war, colonialism, migration, religion, and cultural encounter.

His works consistently explore universal human questions:

• Love and sacrifice
• Memory and identity
• Cultural coexistence
• Historical reconciliation
• The dignity of humanity
• Compassion across civilizations

His storytelling combines literary sophistication with accessibility, appealing to both general readers and literary audiences.

Major Creative Themes

Throughout his body of work, several recurring themes emerge:

Taiwan in World History

Rather than treating Taiwan as a peripheral setting, Chen presents the island as an important crossroads where Eastern and Western civilizations have met for centuries.

Cross-Cultural Love

Many of his novels depict romances that transcend nationality, language, ethnicity, religion, and political conflict.

Love becomes not merely a personal emotion but a force capable of overcoming historical divisions.

Historical Fiction with Literary Depth

His historical novels are based on extensive research while remaining character-driven narratives centered on human experience rather than historical exposition.

Medicine and Humanity

Doctors, healers, educators, and humanitarian figures frequently appear in his fiction.

Medicine symbolizes compassion, reconciliation, and hope.

Taiwan's Indigenous Heritage

Chen is deeply interested in Taiwan's Indigenous cultures and seeks to portray them with dignity, historical agency, and emotional richness rather than as romanticized background figures.

Selected Works

Among Chen's major literary projects are:

Romance of An-Ping

A historical literary novel inspired by the legendary "Miss Kim" story and seventeenth-century Dutch Formosa.

You Must Come Back Alive

A historical literary novel exploring love, war, identity, and Taiwan during the Pacific War.

Reborn Youth

A contemporary literary romance combining time travel, destiny, technology, and second chances.

Love Letter from Lhasa

A cross-cultural literary novel intertwining romance, Tibetan spirituality, history, and self-discovery.

The Dragon Doctor of the Deserted Island

A fantasy adventure novel blending mythology, medicine, ecology, and scientific imagination.

Screenwriting

Several of Chen's novels have been conceived with cinematic storytelling in mind.

His narratives feature:

• Strong visual imagery
• Layered dramatic structure
• Character-centered storytelling
• International settings
• Emotional cinematic climaxes

These qualities make his works well suited for adaptation into feature films and premium television series.

Academic Background

In addition to his literary career, Chen has conducted long-term research in:

• Modern Chinese rhetoric
• Contemporary poetry
• Literary criticism
• Narrative theory
• Aesthetics
• Film adaptation studies

His dual identity as both novelist and scholar enables him to construct narratives that are artistically engaging while grounded in literary theory and historical research.

International Publishing Vision

Chen's long-term publishing goal is to introduce Taiwan's literary voices to readers around the world.

Rather than focusing solely on local history, his novels transform Taiwanese experiences into universal stories of humanity, allowing international audiences to connect emotionally regardless of cultural background.

His works are particularly suited for readers interested in:

• Historical literary fiction
• Cross-cultural narratives
• Asian history
• Women's fiction
• Epic romance
• Humanistic literature
• Book club fiction
• International film adaptation

Why Romance of An-Ping Matters Internationally

While many historical novels explore China or Japan, few English-language novels bring readers into seventeenth-century Taiwan—a place where Indigenous societies, European colonial powers, Chinese merchants, and maritime trade converged.

Romance of An-Ping offers:

• A fresh historical setting rarely represented in world literature.
• A deeply human love story that transcends cultural and political boundaries.
• A portrayal of Indigenous Taiwanese life grounded in dignity and historical agency.
• Themes of medicine, compassion, colonial encounter, and cultural exchange with enduring contemporary relevance.

By combining literary quality with broad emotional appeal, the novel is positioned for readers of internationally acclaimed historical fiction and offers strong potential for translation, global publication, and screen adaptation.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Chen Wen-Han

Pen Name: Chen Qing-Yang

Taiwanese Novelist • Poet • Literary Critic • Screenwriter • Scholar of Modern Chinese Rhetoric

Author Biography

Chen Wen-Han (pen name: Chen Qing-Yang) is a Taiwanese novelist, poet, literary critic, screenwriter, and scholar specializing in modern Chinese rhetoric and literary aesthetics.

Born in Taiwan in 1963, Chen Qing-Yang has devoted decades to literary creation and academic research. His writing crosses multiple genres, including historical fiction, literary romance, fantasy adventure, contemporary fiction, poetry, film scripts, and cultural criticism.

As a writer deeply rooted in Taiwanese history and Eastern aesthetics, Chen explores the intersection between individual destiny and collective memory. His works frequently examine themes of love, identity, historical trauma, cultural transformation, spirituality, and the search for human meaning.

His literary style combines the narrative traditions of classical Chinese literature with modern Western storytelling techniques. Through symbolic imagery, cinematic scenes, psychological depth, and poetic language, he creates stories that connect Taiwan’s historical experience with universal human emotions.

Literary Career and Creative Background

Chen Qing-Yang is a rare Taiwanese writer whose creative identity combines:

• novelist,
• poet,
• literary theorist,
• rhetoric scholar,
• screenwriter,
• cultural researcher.

His academic research focuses on the aesthetics of modern Chinese poetry, especially:

• poetic imagery,
• symbolism,
• surrealism,
• synesthesia,
• montage techniques,
• narrative rhythm,
• rhetorical transformation.

His theoretical works on poetry aesthetics include studies of:

• modern Chinese poetry expression techniques,
• poetic form design,
• rhetorical aesthetics,
• literary criticism methods.

Through his scholarship and creative writing, Chen Qing-Yang seeks to build a bridge between traditional Eastern literary philosophy and contemporary global literature.

Selected Creative Works

Novels

Anping Romance

A Historical Literary Novel of Love, Memory, and Taiwan’s Colonial Past

A sweeping historical romance set in Anping, one of Taiwan’s oldest cultural and maritime regions. Through a love story intertwined with historical transformation, the novel explores the relationship between personal memory and national identity.

Love Letter from Lhasa

A cross-cultural literary romance combining:

• Tibetan spirituality,
• historical mystery,
• forbidden love,
• philosophical reflection.

The novel explores love as a spiritual journey beyond geographical boundaries and cultural differences.

Reborn Youth

A contemporary romance about:

• second chances,
• time,
• destiny,
• forgotten love,
• the courage to begin again.

The novel combines romance, technology, psychology, and Buddhist philosophy, portraying modern professionals searching for meaning beyond career success.

You Must Come Back Alive

A historical literary novel exploring:

• war,
• identity,
• love,
• survival,
• Taiwan’s modern history.

The story examines how ordinary people experience historical upheaval and preserve human dignity amid political and social transformation.

The Medical Dragon of the Desert Island

A fantasy adventure novel combining:

• medical ethics,
• mythology,
• science fiction,
• ecological imagination.

The work reflects Chen Qing-Yang’s ability to integrate Eastern mythology with contemporary global storytelling.

Screenwriting Experience

Chen Qing-Yang also works as a screenwriter, developing novels with cinematic structures.

His fiction demonstrates strong visual storytelling characteristics:

• dramatic scene construction,
• dialogue-driven conflicts,
• emotional turning points,
• character transformation,
• film adaptation potential.

Several of his novels have been developed with screenplay concepts, reflecting his understanding of both literary narrative and visual media.

AUTHOR’S LITERARY POSITIONING

“A Voice from Taiwan Bringing Eastern Memory to Global Readers”

Chen Qing-Yang represents a new generation of Taiwanese writers who transform Taiwan’s historical experience into internationally accessible literary narratives.

His works are positioned at the intersection of:

Taiwanese Historical Fiction

•  

Asian Literary Romance

•  

Philosophical Storytelling

•  

Cinematic Narrative

INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING POSITIONING

1. Global Literary Category

Primary Category

Historical Literary Fiction

Secondary Categories

• Literary Romance
• Asian Historical Fiction
• Cultural Identity Fiction
• Cross-Cultural Literature
• Women’s and General Fiction Readers

2. Comparable International Authors

For international readers, Anping Romance may appeal to audiences who appreciate:

The English Patient

Because of its combination of:

• history,
• war memory,
• forbidden love,
• emotional landscapes.

Pachinko

Because of its exploration of:

• Asian history,
• family destiny,
• identity,
• historical displacement.

The Garden of Evening Mists

Because of its themes of:

• memory,
• colonial history,
• love,
• cultural conflict.

3. Target International Readers

Primary Readers

Readers of Historical Literary Fiction

Ages 30–70

Readers interested in:

• Asian history,
• cultural identity,
• historical romance,
• emotional storytelling.

Secondary Readers

Global Romance Readers

Readers attracted to:

• impossible love,
• destiny,
• separation and reunion,
• emotional transformation.

Academic and Cultural Readers

Potential audiences:

• Taiwan studies scholars,
• Asian studies programs,
• world literature courses,
• cultural history readers.

GLOBAL MARKET PROMOTION STRATEGY

1. Positioning Statement

“An epic Taiwanese romance that transforms the forgotten memories of Anping into a universal story of love, history, and human resilience.”

2. International Marketing Themes

Theme One:

Love Beyond Time and History

Marketing focus:

Love survives political borders, historical changes, and the passing of generations.

Theme Two:

Taiwan as a Literary Landscape

Promotion highlights:

• Anping Harbor,
• maritime history,
• multicultural Taiwan,
• colonial encounters,
• Eastern and Western cultural exchange.

Theme Three:

A New Voice from Taiwan

Position the author as:

One of the Taiwanese literary voices bringing island history and Asian emotional depth to global readers.

3. Film and Adaptation Potential

The novel possesses strong screen adaptation possibilities due to:

• historical setting,
• romantic conflict,
• visual landscapes,
• dramatic character arcs,
• cinematic storytelling structure.

Potential adaptation markets:

• Taiwan
• Japan
• South Korea
• Mainland China
• United States
• Europe

Possible formats:

• Feature film
• International streaming series
• Historical romance drama

4. International Promotion Channels

Literary Festivals

Target:

• Taipei International Book Exhibition
• Frankfurt Book Fair
• London Book Fair
• Guadalajara International Book Fair

Academic Promotion

Possible cooperation:

• Taiwan studies programs
• Asian literature conferences
• world literature courses

Digital Marketing

Strategies:

• author interviews
• historical background videos
• Anping cultural documentaries
• book trailer production
• social media storytelling campaigns

5. Unique Selling Points (USP)

Why International Publishers Should Consider This Novel

1. A Rare Taiwanese Historical Romance

Few English-language novels introduce Taiwan’s historical landscapes through a deeply emotional romance.

2. Strong Cultural Export Value

The novel presents Taiwan not merely as a political subject, but as:

• a land of memory,
• a crossroads of civilizations,
• a place where different cultures meet.

3. Literary and Commercial Balance

The novel combines:

Literary depth

•  

Emotional accessibility

•  

Film adaptation potential

Author Contact

Chen Wen-Han
Pen Name: Chen Qing-Yang

Taiwanese Novelist • Poet • Literary Critic • Screenwriter

Email:

54088rabbit@gmail.com

PART IV

MARKET ANALYSIS & INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING STRATEGY

1. MARKET OVERVIEW

The Growing Global Interest in Asian Historical Fiction

In recent years, international publishing markets have shown increasing enthusiasm for Asian literary fiction that combines personal stories with historical transformation.

Global readers have demonstrated strong interest in novels that explore:

• cultural identity,
• migration,
• colonial history,
• family memory,
• forgotten histories,
• cross-cultural relationships.

Successful international works such as Pachinko, The Garden of Evening Mists, and The Island of Sea Women have proven that stories rooted in specific Asian historical experiences can achieve worldwide resonance when they are connected to universal human emotions.

Anping Romance enters this growing literary landscape by presenting Taiwan’s history through the intimate perspective of love, memory, and human destiny.

2. WHY THIS NOVEL MATTERS TO INTERNATIONAL READERS

A Hidden History Waiting to Be Discovered

Taiwan has a unique historical identity shaped by multiple civilizations:

• Indigenous cultures,
• Chinese migration,
• Dutch colonial influence,
• Japanese colonial rule,
• postwar modernization.

However, Taiwan’s historical narratives remain relatively underrepresented in global fiction.

Anping Romance introduces international readers to:

• Anping’s maritime heritage,
• Taiwan’s multicultural encounters,
• the emotional consequences of historical change,
• the resilience of ordinary people.

The novel transforms historical knowledge into a deeply personal human story.

3. TARGET MARKET ANALYSIS

Primary Market

Historical Literary Fiction Readers

Demographic:

• Age: 35–70
• Gender: Broad appeal
• Education: University-educated readers
• Interests:
• • world literature,
  • historical novels,
  • cultural fiction,
  • literary romance.

Reading Preferences:

Readers who enjoy:

• emotionally powerful storytelling,
• historical atmosphere,
• complex characters,
• philosophical reflection.

Secondary Market

Romance and Women’s Fiction Readers

Although rooted in historical fiction, Anping Romance contains universal emotional themes:

• unforgettable love,
• separation,
• reunion,
• sacrifice,
• destiny.

The novel can reach readers seeking romance beyond conventional contemporary settings.

Third Market

Academic and Cultural Audiences

Potential readership includes:

• Asian studies scholars,
• Taiwan studies researchers,
• history students,
• world literature courses,
• cultural institutions.

Possible educational value:

• Taiwan historical studies,
• colonial literature studies,
• Asian identity studies,
• comparative literature courses.

4. COMPARABLE TITLES

1. Pachinko

By Min Jin Lee

Market Similarity:

Like Pachinko, Anping Romance explores:

• Asian historical experience,
• identity formation,
• ordinary people facing historical forces.

Difference:

While Pachinko focuses on Korean migration history in Japan, Anping Romance presents Taiwan’s maritime and colonial memory through the emotional lens of Anping.

2. The Garden of Evening Mists

By Tan Twan Eng

Market Similarity:

Both novels explore:

• Japanese colonial influence,
• memory,
• trauma,
• love,
• cultural conflict.

Difference:

Anping Romance focuses on Taiwan’s unique historical crossroads and the cultural symbolism of Anping.

3. The Island of Sea Women

By Lisa See

Market Similarity:

Both works emphasize:

• Asian regional culture,
• women’s experiences,
• historical transformation,
• human endurance.

Difference:

Anping Romance brings international readers into Taiwan’s historical landscape through a literary romance narrative.

5. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

A. Taiwan’s Historical Voice

Unlike many Asian historical novels focusing on China, Japan, or Korea, Anping Romance introduces Taiwan’s distinctive historical consciousness.

The novel offers:

• a new geographical imagination,
• an unfamiliar but fascinating cultural setting,
• a fresh Asian literary perspective.

B. Emotional Accessibility

Although historically grounded, the novel is driven by universal emotions:

• love,
• longing,
• memory,
• loss,
• hope.

International readers do not need prior knowledge of Taiwan to connect emotionally with the story.

C. Cinematic Storytelling Potential

The novel contains strong visual elements suitable for adaptation:

• historic harbor landscapes,
• period atmosphere,
• dramatic romance,
• cultural conflicts,
• emotional turning points.

The narrative structure naturally supports:

• feature film adaptation,
• prestige television series,
• streaming drama.

6. INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING POSITION

Recommended English Market Categories

Primary:

Historical Literary Fiction

Secondary:

Asian Literary Fiction

Literary Romance

Cultural Identity Fiction

Book Club Fiction

7. IDEAL PUBLISHING HOUSES

Potential English-language publishers whose lists include literary fiction, historical fiction, or international voices:

United States

Suitable imprints may include:

• literary fiction divisions of major publishing groups,
• independent literary presses,
• publishers specializing in translated and international literature.

Examples of relevant publishing environments:

Penguin Random House

HarperCollins Publishers

Hachette Book Group

Simon & Schuster

United Kingdom and Europe

Potential markets:

• historical literary fiction readers,
• Asian literature programs,
• international fiction collections.

Important territories:

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands

8. TRANSLATION AND RIGHTS STRATEGY

Recommended Translation Priorities

Phase One:

English Edition

Primary gateway to international markets.

Phase Two:

Major European Languages:

• French
• German
• Spanish
• Italian

Phase Three:

Asian Markets:

• Japanese
• Korean

9. INTERNATIONAL BOOK LAUNCH STRATEGY

Pre-Publication Stage

Objectives:

Create awareness before release.

Actions:

• introduce Taiwan historical background,
• publish author interviews,
• release Anping cultural articles,
• build relationships with Taiwan cultural organizations.

Publication Stage

Activities:

• international book fairs,
• literary festivals,
• online author events,
• university lectures,
• media interviews.

Post-Publication Stage

Long-term development:

• film adaptation discussions,
• educational adoption,
• translation rights expansion,
• international literary awards submission.

10. AGENT PITCH SUMMARY

Why Represent Anping Romance?

Anping Romance is more than a love story.

It is:

• a portrait of Taiwan’s historical soul,
• a meditation on memory and identity,
• an emotional journey across time,
• a literary bridge between East and West.

Chen Qing-Yang brings a distinctive Taiwanese voice to world literature, transforming local history into a universal story of love, loss, and human resilience.

PART V

SUBMISSION PACKAGE FOR LITERARY AGENTS

1. AGENT QUERY LETTER

Literary Agent Submission Letter

Dear Literary Agent,

I am pleased to introduce Anping Romance, a historical literary novel by Taiwanese novelist Chen Wen-Han (pen name: Chen Qing-Yang).

Set against the rich historical landscape of Anping, Taiwan, this novel is a sweeping story of love, memory, identity, and the enduring human spirit. Through the emotional journey of its characters, the novel explores how personal destinies are shaped by the forces of history, colonial transformation, cultural encounters, and the passage of time.

Anping, one of Taiwan’s oldest maritime cities, serves not merely as a setting but as a living character within the novel. Once a crossroads connecting Taiwan with the wider world, Anping embodies centuries of cultural exchange, historical conflict, and human longing.

At its heart, Anping Romance is a story about love that survives historical upheaval. It examines the fragile relationship between memory and identity: how individuals preserve their emotional connections while societies undergo dramatic transformation.

The novel will appeal to readers of internationally acclaimed historical fiction such as Pachinko, The Garden of Evening Mists, and The Island of Sea Women. Like these works, Anping Romance combines a specific Asian historical experience with universal themes of love, family, sacrifice, and resilience.

Chen Qing-Yang is a Taiwanese novelist, poet, literary critic, screenwriter, and scholar of modern Chinese rhetoric. His literary works combine Eastern aesthetics with contemporary narrative techniques, creating stories that are visually powerful, emotionally profound, and culturally distinctive.

With increasing global interest in Asian literature and Taiwan’s growing visibility in international culture, Anping Romance offers readers an important new perspective: Taiwan not only as a geopolitical location, but as a landscape of memory, emotion, and humanity.

I believe this novel has strong potential for English-language publication and international rights development.

Thank you for considering Anping Romance. I would be honored to provide the complete manuscript, synopsis, sample chapters, or additional materials upon request.

Sincerely,

Chen Wen-Han
Pen Name: Chen Qing-Yang

Taiwanese Novelist • Poet • Literary Critic • Screenwriter

Email:
54088rabbit@gmail.com

2. ONE-PAGE PITCH

ANPING ROMANCE

A Historical Literary Novel of Love, Memory, Colonial History, and the Eternal Soul of Taiwan

One-Sentence Summary

In the historic harbor city of Anping, Taiwan, two souls are brought together by love, only to discover that their personal destiny is inseparable from the turbulent history of a changing island.

The Story

Anping is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most historically significant places—a harbor where different civilizations once met, where cultures collided, and where generations of people searched for survival, belonging, and hope.

Against this powerful historical background, Anping Romance follows the emotional journey of characters whose lives are transformed by love and historical forces beyond their control.

Their romance unfolds across a landscape marked by:

• colonial memories,
• cultural encounters,
• family secrets,
• personal sacrifices,
• the search for identity.

The novel asks a profound question:

Can love preserve what history attempts to erase?

Through lyrical prose and cinematic storytelling, Chen Qing-Yang portrays Taiwan as a place where history is not merely remembered—it continues to live within human hearts.

3. KEY SELLING POINTS

1. A Rare International Perspective on Taiwan

Few English-language novels introduce Taiwan’s history through a deeply emotional literary narrative.

Anping Romance provides global readers with:

• a new Asian historical perspective,
• a unique cultural landscape,
• an emotionally accessible entry point into Taiwan.

2. Universal Human Themes

Although rooted in Taiwan’s history, the novel explores experiences shared by readers worldwide:

• forbidden love,
• separation,
• memory,
• family bonds,
• identity,
• resilience.

3. Strong Literary and Commercial Appeal

The novel balances:

Literary Depth

with

Emotional Storytelling

and

International Market Accessibility

4. Cinematic Adaptation Potential

The story contains elements suitable for:

• historical romance film,
• prestige television drama,
• international streaming series.

Visual strengths include:

• Anping harbor landscapes,
• historical atmosphere,
• dramatic emotional conflicts,
• cultural transformation.

4. MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS

Primary Marketing Message

“A timeless love story emerging from the forgotten memories of Taiwan’s oldest harbor city.”

Promotional Themes

Taiwan’s Hidden History

Introduce international readers to:

• Anping Castle,
• maritime Taiwan,
• multicultural encounters,
• historical transformation.

Love Across Historical Boundaries

Emphasize:

• emotional endurance,
• impossible choices,
• human connection beyond political change.

A New Voice from Asia

Present Chen Qing-Yang as:

A Taiwanese literary voice transforming island history into universal fiction.

5. INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS & ADAPTATION POTENTIAL

Translation Rights

Potential foreign rights:

English

Primary international gateway.

European Languages

Potential markets:

• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Italy
• Netherlands

Asian Markets

Potential markets:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Southeast Asia

Film and Television Rights

Adaptation Strengths:

Historical Background

Provides a rich visual world:

• old harbor towns,
• traditional architecture,
• cultural intersections.

Emotional Narrative

The romance provides:

• strong character motivation,
• dramatic conflicts,
• audience engagement.

International Appeal

The themes are suitable for global audiences:

• love,
• memory,
• identity,
• historical change.

6. AUTHOR PLATFORM

Chen Qing-Yang

Chen Qing-Yang’s unique advantage lies in his interdisciplinary background.

He is simultaneously:

• a novelist creating historical narratives,
• a poet shaping emotional imagery,
• a literary critic analyzing culture,
• a screenwriter understanding visual storytelling,
• a rhetoric scholar exploring language aesthetics.

This combination enables him to create literature that is both intellectually rich and emotionally accessible.

7. FINAL AGENT PRESENTATION STATEMENT

Why This Book, Why Now?

Global readers are increasingly seeking stories beyond traditional Western historical narratives.

They want:

• new cultures,
• overlooked histories,
• diverse voices,
• emotionally powerful storytelling.

Anping Romance responds to this demand by bringing Taiwan’s historical memory into world literature.

It is not only a novel about Taiwan.

It is a novel about:

how people love, remember, and survive through history.