Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’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

’I think that this competition is excellent because it doesn’t cost the earth and gives unknown authors the opportunity to get their work known to more than just their friends. A number of people, who are from all different backgrounds, give unbiased reviews and these can be seen on Amazon and Goodreads. What more do you want as an author?’

John Mayston, author of Lost Seoul

’I want to send my deep appreciation to all of you, especially Billy Bob Buttons, for all the hard work you do to make the Wishing Shelf Book Awards program possible. You have created a community for Indie Authors---one that truly supports, encourages, and helps raise the quality and awareness of Indie publications. Through your activities and efforts, no Indie author need feel alone in his/her pursuits. The multiple reviewers ensure that books benefit from a broad range of readers and perspectives. And of really special help is the review Quote you provide for promotion---this is a really critical benefit for Indie authors, especially when starting out. Thank you all so much! I look forward to continuing to be part of this wonderful community!’

Ann Alexandra, author of Secret Lives

’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