Here are the 10 books that I believe every aspiring author should read before they start their manuscript (or at least, before they submit their manuscript). These books helped calm the storm of insecurity that once raged inside my soul. They showed me that there is no &quot;right&quot; way to write a book, or land a publishing deal, or build a platform. They gave me practical advice on how to improve my writing skills and prepared my heart to open my manuscript and try again.