Independent publishing refers to the process of producing, marketing and distributing a book or other written material without the involvement of traditional publishers. This means that authors take on all aspects of bringing their work to market themselves, including editing, design, printing, and promotion. Independent publishing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to advances in technology and changes in the publishing industry. It allows writers to have more control over their work, retaining rights and profits while bypassing traditional gatekeepers such as agents or publishers.