Love it or hate it, reality shows are here to stay. Several youngsters aspire to be on the shows for a multitude of reasons. Talent hunts, especially for music and dance, are the ones that seem to have many takers.

Aspirants as well as contestants of reality shows wonder whether there is a shortcut to success. Just what does it take to get on TV and once you are there what does it take to win?

Reality shows are a huge platform for ordinary people from all walks of life to test their worth against other competitors from around the country and show the world what they are capable of. They also get the opportunity to be groomed and trained by celebrity judges who are established professionals and heavyweights in the field. Winning a reality show can be your ticket to riches, fame and stardom. No wonder then that several hundred thousand youngsters aspire to be get on the show and win.

Is there anything that you can do to ensure a window seat to the ride to success? What are the qualities that you need to cultivate and how will you catch the eye of the judges? How do you impress the public who have a huge say in who wins and who gets thrown out of the show every week?

If you are searching for answers look no further than Überstar, the first ground-breaking novel in a three part series that takes you behind the scenes of the world’s biggest reality shows. The author, Vaughn Alaine-Marshall, gives you a backstage pass into the inner dynamics of reality television. Inspired by such shows as American Idol, Australian Idol, Indian Idol and the X Factor, Alaine-Marshall interviewed several contestants of reality shows all around the world before writing this fictional story, which is really a reflection of what goes on backstage.

It is quite evident that there is a lot of taunting and bullying that goes on among the contestants. The auditions are grueling and test your mental strength and stamina. And if you thought the auditions were tough wait till you get into the show. It is no exaggeration to say that a reality show contestant experiences some pretty intense and almost life changing experiences during the course of the show. But whoever is the strongest shall survive.

Once you know what happens behind the scenes, the reason why audiences are so fascinated by the entire concept of reality shows and what unfolds on-screen, as a contestant you will be in a better position to plan for your victory. There may be certain things that you can do to put yourself in a better light than the rest of the competitors and tip the scales in your favor.

You might have decided to jump into the bandwagon because of the glitz and glamour of the shows, the opportunity to be a star, for 15 minutes of fame or just because you are bindaas and you felt like it. To win a show it takes certain personality attributes and clever strategizing.

It helps if you have something that sets you apart from the rest. If what one sees on TV is anything to go by, the special quality need not even be positive. It could even be obnoxiousness, narcissism or the fact that you are an aspiring astronaut who studies Literature. The point the audience must be led to associate you with this quirk.

Make sure that you don’t go overboard with obnoxiousness. Sure, the audience is forgiving and to an extent even desensitized to softer human emotions by virtue of constant exposure to the bullying that goes on in reality shows, but they aren’t completely dead. Ensure that you have potential to be liked, to be endearing even.

Also, a controversy if you can. Pick an act of your choosing, either follow it through completely or make it look like you have followed it through. The controversy must be juicy enough for the producers and the audience to keep you on air.

Display sportsman spirit and be a showman too while you are at it. The important point here is that even though you may not actually have sportsman spirit you must appear to. This is where showmanship comes into play.

Grab a copy of Überstar and get behind the scenes. He lies not, this author. Study it well and rest assured you will be as prepared if not more than the best of them.