Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

'I highly recommend the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. Edwards is a
fabulous communicator who provided constant updates on the progress of
the awards and was transparent about everything from the judging to
the marketing. The feedback from the adolescent reader groups was some
of the most useful that I have ever received. Along with scoring the
writing style, content, and cover, Edward shared the percentage of
readers who felt that my story was easy to follow, the percentage who
thought the pacing was good, the percentage who believed I understood
what the readership wanted, etc. Best of all, the comments were tagged
with the age and sex of the reader. As a YA writer, this was
incredibly meaningful.'

Tanya Lee, author of The Wolf and the Rain

'This is my fourth year, and I find the experience helpful each time I enter the WSBA contest. Thank you so much for putting your time and energy as well as your blood, sweat, and tears into this award again. Excellent job as usual! I look forward to entering the 2020 awards.'

Sea Raiders (Cary Fessler)

'With regards to my experiences with the Wishing Shelf awards it has been an entirely positive and enjoyable process. Before entering my novel I researched the various awards open to indie authors and the Wishing Shelf stood out as not only having a reputation as a credible and respected indie writing award, but also being at the centre of a supportive and talented network of authors, including the dedicated facebook page.

I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that I had progressed to the finals, and even more surprised (and delighted) to end up as a Silver Medal Winner. The fact that the reviewers were from the age range my novel was aimed at was a particular bonus.

As an indie author it can be easy to let your enthusiasm wane, with so many distractions that can pull you away from writing. This has especially been the case in the current world climate, and the awards came at just the right time to re-ignite my enthusiasm, with a couple more novels now in the pipeline.

Thanks again for all your work with the awards, it's very much appreciated.'

Jethro Punter, author of The Boy Who Dreamt the World

'Thank you for the feedback, and I would love for you to share it on any of the social media and commercial networks you mention in the email.

I also want to mention: I did not realize that the Wishing Shelf had invited teen readers to comment on YA submissions. I think this was a wonderful decision on your part, as youth will have the best ability to respond to literature that is about them and that speaks to them... for all this, however, this is the first contest I have entered to have taken such an approach. I am so glad that you did.'

Connor Coyne, author of Urbantasm, Book One: The Dying City

'Thank you so much for this fabulous feedback. Yes, please do put the content on Goodreads and BookBub. I loved seeing that my readers were young people! Thanks again for your amazing efforts.'

Lisa Braver Moss, author of Shrug