Indie publishers' FBF gathering to celebrate 'vibrant' sector

Independent publishers from across the world are to come together at Frankfurt Book Fair to celebrate the "diversity and vibrancy" of the international independent publishing scene.

The party – the brainchild of Lorenzo Ribaldi, publisher of La Nuova Frontiera, and Alessandro Gallenzi, publisher of Alma Books – is a joint initiative by Frankfurt Book Fair, ODEI (Osservatorio degli Editori Indipendenti), the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) and the International Alliance of Independent Publishers. It will be open to all indies from across the world, and it will be an opportunity for them to get to know each other and raise a glass to the continued success of independent publishing.

Ribaldi, who is also a board member of the ODEI committee, said: “After the latest wave of mergers in Italy, a group of independent publishers decided to put their energies and know-how together to create a new association that can really address their needs. The obvious next step is to look for partnerships with other associations abroad in order to build a wider network of publishers that share a similar vision of the book industry. This first event in Frankfurt offers a possibility to proceed in this direction.”

Oliver Gadsby, c.e.o. of Rowman & Littlefield International and a board member of the IPG, said: “The IPG has over 600 member companies in the UK, representing a great diversity of independent publishing. IPG members thrive on international connections and networks, and we are delighted to take part in this convivial networking event in Frankfurt. We look forward to seeing some old friends and making new business contacts.”

Laurence Hugues, director of the International Alliance of Independent Publishers, said she "saluted" ODEI and IPG for this initiative.

"The vitality and creativity of independent publishing depend, among other things, on opportunities to meet in person – this is what we have experienced within the Alliance," she said. "For sure this kind of meeting brings new publishing partnerships between publishers from all over the world. This professional solidarity is crucial to get a multitude of voices heard, to promote and strengthen bibliodiversity. We hope thus that the ‘Party Time for Indies’ could become an annual event and, why not, lead to an indie corner each year in the Fair.”  

Gallenzi said: “When Lorenzo and I met at the London Book Fair this year, we felt that independent publishers – now more than ever – must try to meet, exchange ideas and help each other as much as they can. We are delighted to have found the Frankfurt Book Fair and the other institutions so receptive to our idea, and we look forward to enjoying the evening and making many new friends.”

The gathering will be held on the first day of the Book Fair – Wednesday 19th October – between 6.30 and 8.00pm.

The venue is AMP Bar, Gallusanlage 2, 60329 Frankfurt (near Willy-Brandt-Platz and the Frankfurter Hof).