Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

'I was so excited to find feedback in my inbox from the Wishing Shelf Book Awards! Thank you so much for taking the time to share it with me. Even though I didn't make it to the finalist category, the red ribbon means the world to me. I have won a few small awards along my writing path, but this one holds a special place in my heart because of the target audiences involvement in the decision.

I found the awards and feedback very helpful. One of the comments about Lucy holding the girls interest more than the boys interest really hit home. Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of reading Lucy's adventures to a few schools and library's. As I think back on those experiences, I can now see that Lucy's books engaged the entire class or group of the younger children, but as they got older, 7 or 8, it is true, it seems like the girls were more engaged. I did not pick up on that aspect, until I read the comments from the Wishing Shelf Awards. This will definitely prompt me to be more in tune with my target audience.

Thank you for all you do!'

Rolynda Tassan, author of Lucy Finds a Home

'Being a finalist boosted my confidence that yes, I can write a book that people want to read. Even more than that, Wishing Shelf got my book into the hands of actual teen readers, the target audience. I know a lot of former teens (some more recent than others) but not that many current teens. The young readers' comments confirmed that I am writing for the people I think I'm writing for. All the more reason to finish up the sequel!'

Karen Eisenbrey, author of The Gospel According to St Rage

'I entered the Wishing Shelf Awards after careful research. I'm wary of online writing contests, having seen so many authors ripped off. I found WSA on a list which rated competitions by value and by how ethical the administrators are. In other words, it was all about whether the competition was for profit or for the love of writing. The WSA rated highly, so I went for it.

The whole process has been brilliantly transparent. Edward (Billy Bob Buttons) keeps you up to date throughout, by email and on social media, and every step of the judging system is made clear. He's very obviously doing this for the love of it.

Speaking of judging, I've started writing for children and I've had a few wobbles confidence-wise because most of the people who have reviewed my book are grown-ups. Some of them suggested the language was too difficult for little ones. Enter the Wishing Shelf judges - a group of 7 to 9-year-olds, in my case. The fact these youngsters (and their teachers and a parent) decided to award the book a Gold medal is a huge vindication. It proves children know what they like and they also enjoy a challenge.

I'd like to say a huge thank you to them and to Edward for organising the whole awards. I'm proud to have been involved.'

Rhian Waller, author of Ship Rats

'The Wishing Shelf awards are a wonderful key component to any author/illustrator wanting to stretch into not only good promotion, but for the very fact of receiving down-to-earth, honest opinions and feedback about your book. This is so important to creative growth and inspiration. Expect Edward Trayer to handle your work with TLC and any questions are always followed up on quickly. What a fantastic community and a terrific springboard for success!'

Raven Howell, author of A Star Full of Sky

'As a first time author I found the awards surprising. I did not expect the camaraderie that was shown from fellow authors. This really made a difference and the respect for the awards was really evident from all. Extremely well organised and the biggest value of all is the feedback from my target audience. A great experience all round.'

Sally V. Parker, author of Super Sal, How To Be Kind To Animals