Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’The two things I most appreciated about the Wishing Shelf Book Awards were that they took every book seriously and gave feedback, and that the readers were not critics but people the book was really written for.’

Anne Nydam, author of The Extraordinary Book of Doors

’The most important part of entering any awards is not to win, but to learn something. Of all the awards I’ve entered over years, The Wishing Shelf provided the by far best feedback. It’s constructive and encouraging. After receiving my feedback I’ve a much stronger sense on what areas of the craft I’m doing well, and where there’s room for improvement. There is no doubt that I will enter my next book to the Wishing Shelf.’

Vetle Sivertsen, author of The Green Wolves

’As a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Awards for fiction, I’ve promoted my literary mystery The Erotica Book Club for Nice Ladies several ways: in a state wide newspaper press release, in two alumni magazines, on the Nebraska Writers Guild list serve, in the National League of American Pen Women quarterly magazine, and as part of my introduction for appearances as a panelist at a national writing conference in Texas. Also at signings and readings. For an author, this is exceedingly helpful in spreading the word about a book that’s been out awhile, giving it a second wind. I was particularly pleased to be a finalist in the wide category of fiction, against books other than mysteries.’

Connie Spittler, author of The Erotica Book Club for Nice Ladies

’I found the feedback very interesting and encouraging. I feel the award was an excellent opportunity to gain some new readers and hopefully fans as well, since most of them said they would read more of my books. Thanks again for the opportunity.’

Kristin Gleeson, author of Along the Far Shores

’As an independent author it is a rare opportunity to receive feedback from fifteen independent writing professionals (editors, publishers etc.), if not a little daunting. However, if you are going to succeed this is what you need. The comments on my book and my writing have convinced me that I am doing something right, that I am producing material that people will want to read. This encourages me to keep on writing, trying all the time to improve. I now just need to get the marketing right and keep trying to get my books and my name out there.’

Ian Martyn, author of Project Noah