In the present book publishing scenario, it is the author who wins the marketing game that lives to live the tale of success. Faulty language and grammatical errors are not the cardinal sin of the publishing world any more. For those who are wondering what it really is, even a tell all expose will not find any ready listeners even if your lead character is interesting enough, if a marketing company has not taken up your case.

A product can only sell if it is marketed well enough and this goes for books too. Some sell soul, others kitsch. Either which way, you need to sell an idea (or even a person) if you want your book to be a bestseller. No matter how you spin a story, no one will buy it unless you have a spin doctor to work his magic for you. Tales may come and go, but bestsellers live on forever (or atleast till the next "big one" comes along). If you are Indra Nooyi, selling your biopic will no doubt be easier than if you are Person B from Bombay or A from Ajmer. Best way to market your book is to sell who you are.

Small town or big, chic or funky, chic lit or serious writer, you will have to find an angle to sell yourself from or you will land in soup (read no reprints). Getting a book review is easier said than done. Words are not the only medium to get your point across. If readers continue to elude your latest work of art, hire a marketing guru and watch the fun begin. Whether you are Jane D'Souza writing about her village belle or Shobhaa De writing about her society butterfly, nothing can come in your way if you have license (read marketing guru) to help you ride the wave and win. A notable press release can achieve what a thousand book reviewers cannot.

Never underestimate the power of the press to impress readers. Quality is everything in the bookpublishing world and serious smarts is all you need to be an ace in marketing. Press releases play second fiddle to social media. Social media is the new medium of communication in the world (or is it already passe?). FB can boost the number of likes (and sales) your book attracts and tweeting about related issues can attract buyers to books as well. Reviewing equals promoting only if you know what you are selling. Online reviews in forums can also work their magic for you.

Well known book publishing companies ensure that your book reaches the general public and finds buyers who will remain loyal to you. So, write away rest assured that creative juices are secondary to marketing in the fickle real world where Potter Mania is a media creation as much as it is due to the serious talent possessed by J. K. Rowling. Author websites are also a wonderful way to market your book.

Making books sell is all about brand building. From Chetan Bhagat to Rohington Mistry, everyone survives on challenges of putting words on paper in a way that captures the minds and hearts of millions. Marketing is also equally important. Without it, even the most talented author will remain an unknown face for an eternity.

The author of this article recommends the book publishing services of BecomeShakespeare.com.