Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is a fun and helpful writing contest that actually gives writers feedback. Not just feedback from editors and critics, but also comments from young readers, my favorite audience! There are numerous contests you could enter your books into and many charge fairly high rates too. This is an affordable contest for writers with the intent of giving honest, helpful reviews. I would recommend the Wishing Shelf for any writers wishing to show off their skills and learn how to improve their craft. Definitely worth your time and the reasonable entry fee.’

Steven J Thompson, author of The Daughers Daring

’In a world where more people than ever are becoming writers, there is a concomitant uptick in contests and awards for said writers. I have participated in many book awards programs over the years and have won a few of them, but by far the Wishing Shelf Book Award is my favorite. What distinguishes the Wishing Shelf Awards from all the rest is that my books are read and judged by the actual readers in my demographic. That target-audience feedback is not part of any other award program that I know of, and is, in a word, invaluable. My hats off and sincere thanks to Edward Trayer (a.k.a. Billy Bob Buttons) for developing a concept of meaningful interaction for today’s authors, and for the hard work he puts into the Wishing Shelf Awards. His vision and dedication make a difference to fellow authors, and benefit young readers by giving them a voice.’

Don M. Winn, Award-Winning Author, Speaker, and Dyslexia Advocate

’The constructive criticism I received from the folks at The Wishing Shelf Book Awards was extremely valuable to me! I’m always looking to improve my writing skills and I received invaluable information. I am in full promotion mode, so the catchy quote is really helpful too.

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards was a beautiful, positive experience. I enjoyed the camaraderie as well as connecting with other authors all over the world. Writing can be lonely, so it is a fantastic group to be apart of. Thanks, Billy Bob, for the experience.’

Terry John Barto author of Nickerbacher

’The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards was recommended to me as it is considered one of the better Indie contests. I especially liked that it is run by an award-winning author and judged by groups of readers in the UK and Sweden. This allowed me to put my book before a varied group of independent readers and get truly honest feedback. I am very proud to have been selected as a finalist and fully intend to enter the contest again.’

N W Moors, author of The Black Swans

’I would highly recommend entering your book in the Wishing Shelf Awards, especially if you’re an independent (self-published) author. The main reason, for me, is that the awards are judged by the target audience itself, something that gives them particular integrity. I think this is especially valuable for children’s books, for which it can be difficult to get feedback from kids directly (as opposed to adults buying or reviewing on behalf of children). Another plus is that the awards are judged on clearly explained objective criteria, using a points system over a number of categories, and any and all books that meet a certain level can become finalists. Finally, there’s the fact that ALL books entered receive written feedback, a ’catchy quote’ and (if the author wishes) reviews posted on Goodreads and Amazon. All this makes the entry cost a very good investment in my view. Just one word of warning: the feedback will be honest and may contain negatives as well as positives - but any author serious about improving their craft should welcome that.’

Christopher Peter, author of Danny Chaucer’s Flying Saucer