An Indie Author is a writer who publishes their work independently, without the backing of a traditional publishing house. This approach allows them to maintain creative control over their writing, cover design, and marketing strategies. Many indie authors choose to self-publish their books through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or Smashwords. Indie authors often engage directly with their readers through social media and personal websites, building a community around their work. This independent route has become increasingly popular, as it offers opportunities for writers to reach audiences that traditional publishers may overlook.