An independent publisher, often referred to as an “indie publisher,” is a small publishing house or individual that operates autonomously from the larger, corporate publishing houses. These publishers often focus on niche markets, unique genres, or underrepresented voices in literature, including children’s books. Unlike major publishers, independent publishers can take creative risks and are typically more flexible in their publishing processes, allowing for more personalized attention to authors and their works. They play a crucial role in diversifying the literary landscape.