For publisher Edmund Wee, founder of Epigram Books, reading serves two primary functions for aspiring authors. First, reading what has already been published in the marketplace will give you an idea of the competitive landscape for your book and will also help you identify your target audience. Second, reading will help you improve your own writing. Reading the work of other authors will help you understand narrative, story structure, necessary story elements, and more. Wee advises aspiring authors to take their time with their manuscripts. Be sure to send your work to your peers for feedback and always go through rigorous self-editing before submitting for consideration. Putting in the extra effort up front will help ensure success once your book is released.