Effequ: Five Years of Independent Publishing in Italy

Effequ, an independent Italian publishing house founded five years ago, defines itself as 'crooked and transversal,' aiming to reach open-minded readers of all ages. With four imprints—Rondini (fiction), Saggi pop (nonfiction), Scatoline (children's books curated by Vera Gheno), and Elettra (hybrid narratives on patriarchy curated by Olga Campofreda and Eloisa Morra)—plus the magazine Calibano in collaboration with the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, effequ focuses on strong identity and reader trust over market trends. Founders Francesco Quatraro and Silvia Costantino emphasize building networks and relationships, citing projects like Controfiera and BookRave. They avoid naming favorite authors or publishers, comparing it to choosing a favorite child.