Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

'The Awards were helpful for me mainly because of the feedback I got as a finalist. I am always searching to know what my target audience really thinks of my books. These being educational comics, I always strive to hit that sweet spot where the story is both fun and entertaining as well as educational, and I need proof that I’m getting it right! I am also very far removed from my audience in terms of age and geography, so I find it hard to keep up with what they are looking for in a book like mine. An author has above all got to know their audience, and what that audience wants. Even though I didn’t win, the Wishing Shelf Book Awards allowed me to obtain rare insight into the opinions of those who read my book. This is invaluable to me.'

Alan J. Hesse, author of The Adventures of Polo the Bear

'The Wishing Shelf Awards have always been amongst my favourites: it's fantastically run, judged by real readers and provides great feedback. I'd warmly recommend it to both up-and-coming or established writers.'

Robin Bennett, author of Space Dragons and Commercial Director at Firefly Press

'I was honored to be given a “finalist" distinction in The Wishing Shelf Awards. What’s more, I found the feedback from the readers to be so encouraging and rewarding. I can usually tell when someone reads my work and they “get it,” and it felt like every reader did just that. Wow. That, to me, is the most satisfying thing about writing from my heart, —it means I’m connecting to another heart. It doesn’t get a lot better than that. Thank you to The Wishing Shelf Awards for reminding me why I need to keep doing what I was born to do.'

Pamela Capone, author of The Little Love That Could

'I discovered the Wishing Shelf Book Awards (WSBA) through an on-line review of the Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLI) ratings of book competitions. WSBA was among a handful of awards and contests given ALLI’s highest rating compared to a host of others. I would urge anyone interested in entering an award competition to visit this site.

Edward Trayer, who founded the WSBA and is its administrator, makes every effort to ensure a high quality experience for author participants. I found him to be extremely helpful, responsive, and knowledgeable. He is an award-winning, highly successful author himself and knows firsthand what is meaningful and attractive for authors when it comes to book awards. He and his staff are constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance value. One of things I like the best about the WSBA is that its benefits extend beyond the competition itself-whether or not you are a winner or finalist. This competition is a superior value and a terrific experience for authors.'


George Yuhasz, author of Imagine That: The Magic of the Mysterious Lights

'Entering The Wishing Shelf Awards has be a wonderful experience. It is so great to receive honest feedback from my target audience. My book went on to be a silver medal winner which is the best feeling ever it has given me confidence in myself and my books and also helped with book promotion.'

Cheryl Lee-White, author of The Book of Silly Rhymes