An indie author, short for independent author, is someone who writes and publishes their books without the involvement of traditional publishing houses. This approach allows authors full creative control over their work, from the writing process to the marketing and distribution. Typically, indie authors utilize platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, IngramSpark, or their own websites to reach readers directly. This growing trend empowers more voices in children's literature, enabling diverse stories and unique narratives to flourish outside the constraints of traditional publishing models.