knowl·edge
noun
1. acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation; general erudition: knowledge of many things.
2. familiarity or conversance, as with a particular subject or branch of learning: A knowledge of accounting was necessary for the job.
3. acquaintance or familiarity gained by sight, experience, or report: a knowledge of human nature.
4. the fact or state of knowing; the perception of fact or truth; clear and certain mental apprehension.
5. awareness, as of a fact or circumstance: He had knowledge of her good fortune.
A broad and general knowledge base is essential. I often talk about the hats I wear as an indie author, but the truth is, now traditionally published authors are facing the same thing. The online presence being a major change in the publishing industry. I can remember being an author and doing a few interviews, public speaking events, and some book signings but the rest of the time I could just write. That isn't the case anymore. Now both have got to do it all. It's a mad scramble for positioning with more and more indie authors thrown into the mix.
As an author, you have to know...
- how to write effectively
- how to reach and who your audience is
- how to breathe life into your characters
- weave a good story
- grammar and how to edit
- how to attract an audience (little fish in an ever growing pond)
- how to run a business
- basic accounting techniques
- how to write back cover blurbs
- how to maintain an online presence
- computer literacy
- and the list goes on and on
Learning the steps and gaining the knowledge is half the battle.
