Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’The feedback provided by the Wishing Shelf Awards judges, who are children, teachers, and parents, was especially helpful for me because my books are part of a series. It allowed me to receive feedback on two books from judges who could contrast the stories. It was also helpful to receive feedback directly from 8 to 9 year old children without an adult filter. It’s a great program, and I’ll be back with the next entries in the series.’

C. F. Crawford, author of Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers

’Independent authors often have difficulty obtaining thoughtful feedback; friends and family may be too forgiving, while other readers may not give any feedback at all. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards provide a great way for authors to hear what readers think, not only about a book’s content and style, but also about the cover, the blurb, all the small but important details that make a book seem professional or amateurish. And unlike many supposed awards for independent authors, The Wishing Shelf is not a scam. If you enter and request feedback, you really will get feedback. And if you qualify as a finalist or even perhaps win, that’s icing on the cake. Kudos to Edward and his teams of readers for helping independent authors be as good as they can possibly be.’

Amanda Witt, author of Red, The Watch

I entered the Wishing Shelf Book Award competition after finding it on a list of recommended book contests for self published new authors. I wanted a way to get in front of UK readers. Guest blogging on overseas websites hadn’t had noticeable impact. I did due diligence and read one of Billy Bob Button’s (Edward’s) charming books. Research revealed that writers who had entered the contest previously had only good things to say about the experience. The fee was affordable, the website was well designed and upbeat so I went for it. From my first communication with Edward, I received a warm welcome and encouragement. All communications have been easy and prompt. The waiting for the outcome was hard but it was also exciting to think people in England and Sweden were reading my book. When the email arrived saying I was a Finalist, I was thrilled. Now I had enthusiastic validation from readers in others countries and I could enhance the back cover of The Gift Counselor with the happy announcement. I am pleased and delighted with the results. I recommend the Wishing Shelf Book Award contest without reservation.’

Sheila Cronin, author of The Gift Counselor

’Entering my books in The Wishing shelf Award was the best thing I could have done (apart from indie publishing them). Both books were chosen as Finalists which gave an enormous boost to sales. The extensive and constructive feedback enabled me to see what readers liked and where things could have been improved. The Wishing Shelf reviews and ’Catchy Quote’ are now an integral part of my advertising which again boosts sales. I am writing another historical novel and, when this is published, I will be sure to enter it into the Awards.’

Kay Seeley, author of The Watercress Girls

’I loved this contest and I didn’t even win! The best part about the Wishing Shelf Book Awards is that it’s judged by reading groups, not by a panel of so-called experts. Writers write for “regular” folks, and that’s who judges this contest. I opted for the entry that included feedback, and it was well worth the slightly higher fee. We writers can get too close to our work to know what is working and what isn’t, so the feedback is invaluable. Thank you, Billy Bob Buttons and all the others who devote their time to this contest!’

Laurel Heidtman, author of Bad Girls