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.
I'd add knowing how to give back to your support team.
ReplyDeleteThese are great points! I enjoyed this post very much.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Yes Alex. Very much so.
ReplyDeleteGina, thank you.
I think knowledge is part of what makes the blogging community so great. I don't know how to do everything, but I can reach out to those who do! :)
ReplyDeleteLara, I feel the same way too.
ReplyDelete