Independent publishers refer to publishing companies that are not affiliated with any major conglomerate or corporation. They may be small, family-owned businesses or operated by a single individual who has decided to venture into the world of book publishing. These types of publishers have more freedom in terms of what they choose to publish and often take greater risks on unconventional projects that might not fit the mold of mainstream publishing. They may also be more willing to work with first-time authors or niche markets, as their independence allows them to cater to specific audiences without worrying about meeting the demands of a larger parent company.