By Hannah Johnson | @HannahSJohnson
With the Philippines set to be the guest of honor at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse , Publishing Perspectives has spoken with several authors and publishers from the Southeast Asian market.In this video, author and RomanceClass founder Mina Esguerra discusses the growing market for romance and genre fiction in the Philippines, as well as the writer community she’s built over the last decade.
After successfully writing and publishing her own books, Esguerra started a grassroots initiative called RomanceClass, which has blossomed into a dynamic community and publishing collective. RomanceClass authors say they have successfully reached readers in more than 52 countries, largely through organic social media engagement and the support of dedicated fans.
Esguerra also talks about her work to facilitate adaptations, including live-action and animation—for RomanceClass authors. These international opportunities, she says, highlight community-driven efforts to amplify diverse voices in the international literary market.
Mina Esguerra at Frankfurt Book Fair 2024
October 16
10 to 11 a.m. at the New Adult Stage, Hall 1.2
Success Stories in the World of New Adult and Fantasy — Event details
Two Asian young women behind FairyLoot and RomanceClass share their adventures in starting and growing creative business models now breaking into the literary world market. As writer and mentor, and as curator and book reseller, both explore new ways to diversify new adult romance.
Speakers:
- Mina Esguerra (Author, Founder of RomanceClass)
- Anissa de Gomery (Founder of Fairyloot)
- Moderator: Gaston Rippinger
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October 18
1 to 2 p.m. at the Asia Stage, Hall 5.1, A100
Women and Publishing in Asia — Event details
Women are leading the way in reshaping Asia’s publishing industry. Join this session to celebrate the women in the publishing industry, their achievements, challenges, and the innovative ways they’re driving change in the literary world.
Speaker:
- Danda Crimelda Buhain (Chief External Affairs Officer, Rex Education)
- Katrina Stuart Santiago (CEO, Everything’s Fine)
- Mina Esguerra (Author, Founder of RomanceClass)
- Moderator: Charisse Aquino-Tugade (Executive Director, National Book Development Board)
More from Publishing Perspectives on Frankfurt’s 2025 Guest of Honor Philippines program is here, more on the Philippine market is here, more on guest of honor programs in world publishing’s book fairs and trade shows is here, and more on Frankfurter Buchmesse is here.