Hyderabad | June 29, 2025: In a refreshing and cheeky take on a universally uncomfortable truth, Hyderabad-based writer and content strategist Sanjay Shukla—writing under the pen name S.J.—has launched his literary debut The Liar’s Guide: How to Lie Effectively and Get Away With It. Published by Notion Press, the book blends satire, self-help, and social commentary in an unflinchingly humorous exploration of modern-day lying.
Billed as “part satire, part self-help, and entirely tongue-in-cheek,” The Liar’s Guide delves into why we lie, how we lie, and what those lies reveal about us. Far from promoting dishonesty, the book acts as a witty mirror reflecting the polite fabrications and survival fibs we all lean on to navigate society.
“Let’s be honest—no one is honest all the time,” says Shukla. “From dodging awkward conversations to protecting someone’s feelings, lying helps maintain social harmony. This book isn’t about glorifying lies—it’s about understanding their role in our lives.”
Structured across eight engaging chapters, including standout titles like “Why We All Lie (And That’s Okay… Mostly)” and “The Side Effects of Lying Too Much”, the book also offers five “golden rules” for effective lying and tips on handling the fallout when fibs fall apart.
Drawing from his 20+ years of experience in journalism, corporate storytelling, and healthcare communication, Shukla presents a uniquely Indian lens on the universal habit of lying. Concepts like jugaad, log kya kahenge (what will people say?), and sab chalta hai (everything goes) come alive with cultural relevance and wry humour.
Notable for its balance of breezy readability and thoughtful depth, The Liar’s Guide tackles the psychological and emotional cost of deception. One of its memorable lines—“Truth may hurt in the moment, but lies hurt in instalments”—sums up its empathetic approach.
Currently serving as Head of Content Development at Apollo Hospitals Group, Shukla considers this debut a new phase in his storytelling journey. “Ironically, this might be the most honest thing I’ve ever written,” he quips.
Available now in paperback (₹199), hardcover (₹299), and as an exclusive Kindle eBook, The Liar’s Guide can be purchased on Amazon, Flipkart, and the Notion Press website.
Whether you’re a chronic fibber or a reluctant truth-teller, this book promises both laughs and moments of surprising clarity.
About the Author:
Sanjay Shukla (S.J.) is a Hyderabad-based writer with over two decades of experience in journalism, content strategy, and corporate storytelling. He currently heads content at Apollo Hospitals Group and believes that the future belongs to those who blend creativity with adaptability. The Liar’s Guide is his debut book.
About the Publisher:
Notion Press is a global self-publishing platform committed to helping writers bring their ideas to life through cutting-edge tools, author support, and wide distribution.