Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

"I'm writing to you in hopes of sharing my thoughts and opinion of the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. As an Indie author with a limited budget, it's very difficult to find target readers and receive feedback from them. What I find unique and wonderful about the Wishing Shelf Book Awards is the fact the judges are from the desired target audience (teenagers, adults, children, etc) who provide feedback to a panel of final judges.
That feedback centers around several aspects of a book, such as editing, cover, story, and illustrations (in the case of picture books). Whether positive or negative, the feedback is passed along to the author. I find this to be the unique aspect concerning this contest and I feel it should be a blueprint for other book awards contests.
I've entered 3 books in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards since 2016 and have never 'won' a gold, silver, or bronze award, but I have been a finalist each time and I have been delighted to have my books achieve that sort of placing. I believe a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards is an excellent book and will probably place much higher in other, less reputable book awards contests. However, it's the feedback received by the readers that makes the difference to the author. Edward Trayer, or Billy Bob Buttons, has organized the premier book award contest for Indie authors (traditionally published authors can enter, too). This is how a legitimate book awards contest should be run, giving valuable feedback to the author and, if the book is truly exceptional, an award that will be cherished for a lifetime."

Mitch Reinhardt, author of the Darkwolf Saga

"Hello Edward and the Wishing Shelf Award Team!

I can not THANK YOU enough for the awesome feedback and red ribbon award for my little book The Night The Reindeer Came to Play! I was so excited - as was my sister, who was the illustrator and brought the characters to life. Honestly, that book means the world to me as I wrote it (as a song, actually!) for my daughter when she was just 3 years old...(she just turned 28, lol!) I finally got the gumption (while being in lockdown) to put it in book form having found my scribbled verses in her memory box whilst cleaning. That other children and parents enjoyed the book as well is just everything to me and I appreciate every kind word they said as well as their thoughtful suggestions.

I appreciate everyone's feedback and if you would like to post it on the sites you mentioned (i.e. Amazon.co.uk, Goodreads, etc) that would be great.

I will be sure to post on Amazon US as well - I may even update the back cover of the book to include your wonderful catchy quote."

Maria Votto, author of The Night The Reindeer Came To Play

'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