Book Review: How to Become Best Seller Author by Rajender Singh Bisht

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In the rapidly evolving Indian publishing ecosystem, aspiring writers are often confused about how books actually become bestsellers. The romantic idea that good writing alone guarantees success clashes with the harsh realities of marketing, branding, and reader discovery. How to Become Best Seller Author, written by Rajender Singh Bisht, directly confronts this gap between expectation and reality.

Rather than offering conventional writing tips, the book positions itself as a mindset manual for authors—especially new and self-published writers—who want to understand why most books fail and what practical steps are necessary to avoid anonymity in a crowded market.

Overview of the Book

Published in January 2024, How to Become Best Seller Author is structured into 15 concise chapters, each focusing on a specific psychological or strategic barrier faced by writers. The author draws heavily from his real-world experience in the publishing industry, making the book less theoretical and more experiential.

The core argument of the book is simple but powerful:

Authors fail not because of poor writing, but because of poor mindset, unrealistic expectations, and lack of ownership.

From risk-taking and self-promotion to understanding royalties and rejecting publishing myths, the book systematically dismantles long-held assumptions about traditional publishing and “free publication.”

Key Themes and Analysis

Before diving into the individual themes discussed in How to Become Best Seller Author, it is important to understand the broader perspective from which the book is written. Rajender Singh Bisht does not approach the subject as a motivational speaker or a creative writing coach; instead, he writes from the standpoint of someone who has closely observed the publishing industry and the recurring mistakes made by authors. The themes explored in this section reflect the author’s central belief that becoming a best-selling author is less about literary talent and more about mindset, awareness, responsibility, and strategic effort. Each theme builds upon the previous one, collectively forming a practical framework that challenges traditional assumptions about writing, publishing, and success.

1. Author Mindset Over Writing Skill

One of the strongest contributions of the book is its insistence that success begins with mindset, not talent alone. In the opening chapters, Bisht argues that authors who expect publishers to do all the work—editing, marketing, selling—are setting themselves up for failure.

He repeatedly emphasizes that an author must think like an entrepreneur, treating the book as a product and themselves as a brand. This idea recurs throughout the book and forms its philosophical backbone.

Critical insight: This approach may feel uncomfortable to purist writers, but it accurately reflects modern publishing realities, especially in India’s self-publishing–dominated market.

2. Honest Reality of Traditional vs Self-Publishing

The book is particularly strong in explaining why traditional publishing is inaccessible to most new authors. Bisht clearly states that publishers are businesses, not charities, and they invest only in authors who already have visibility, readership, or influence.

The chapters on traditional publishing myths are refreshingly blunt. The author warns writers against wasting years chasing “free publication” instead of building their own readership and credibility.

SEO value: This section aligns well with high-search queries like traditional vs self-publishing in India, why publishers reject new authors, and book publishing myths.

3. Responsibility for Marketing and Promotion

Another central theme is author-driven marketing. Bisht rejects the idea that promoting one’s own book is shameful or “unliterary.” Through everyday analogies—vegetable sellers, shopkeepers, filmmakers—he makes a compelling case that visibility requires effort.

The author highlights word-of-mouth marketing, social sharing, personal networks, and grassroots promotion as essential tools for first-time authors.

Critical observation: While the book strongly advocates promotion, it could benefit from more structured digital marketing strategies (such as Amazon ads, SEO, or email lists). Still, the mindset shift it encourages is valuable and necessary.

4. Writing What Readers Want—Not What Everyone Writes

In later chapters, Bisht critiques the herd mentality among writers—especially poets and first-time authors—who imitate popular genres without market research. He urges authors to write something distinct, relevant, and reader-focused.

Examples of successful authors like Amish Tripathi are used to show how originality combined with persistence leads to mass readership.

Strength: The advice to study bookstores, libraries, and reader behavior grounds the book in practical realism rather than abstract motivation.

5. Royalties, Branding, and Long-Term Thinking

The book also addresses authors’ obsession with high royalties, calling it short-sighted. Bisht argues that early-stage authors should focus on reach, recognition, and brand-building rather than immediate financial returns.

This long-term perspective is especially useful for new writers who feel discouraged by low initial sales.

Balanced critique: While the argument is sound, some readers may wish for clearer numerical examples or case studies. Nonetheless, the conceptual clarity is strong.

Writing Style and Tone

The writing style is direct, conversational, and repetitive by design. Bisht intentionally reinforces key ideas across chapters to ensure they sink in. While this repetition may feel excessive to advanced readers, it works well for beginners.

The language is simple and accessible, making the book suitable for first-time authors, especially those unfamiliar with industry mechanics.

Strengths of the Book

  • Realistic portrayal of the Indian publishing industry
  • Strong focus on mindset and responsibility
  • Practical, experience-based advice
  • Ideal for new and struggling authors
  • Short chapters that encourage complete reading

Limitations

  • Limited technical guidance on digital marketing tools
  • Repetition may feel heavy for experienced authors
  • More case studies could strengthen arguments

Who Should Read This Book?

  • First-time authors in India
  • Self-published writers struggling with sales
  • Writers confused about traditional publishing
  • Authors seeking motivation rooted in reality

Final Verdict

How to Become Best Seller Author is not a book about writing better sentences—it is a book about thinking like a successful author. Rajender Singh Bisht delivers an honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but necessary message: success requires ownership, effort, and strategic thinking.

For authors willing to challenge their assumptions and take responsibility for their journey, this book serves as a practical wake-up call and a valuable starting point.

If you’ve already read this book, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Your review can help others discover the story, start great conversations, and support the author’s work.

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