Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’The Wishing Shelf Independent Book award is certainly a boost for the indie author community. Edward works
hard to promote and push the awareness of our indie books, whilst giving advice to those lost in the publishing
wilderness. Entering this award was great for my author confidence and developing my book character.
Although not a winner it’s still an honour to be chosen as a finalist and the feedback has been essential for my
growth as an author.
It’s important that we continue to support Edward and The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards and I will
most certainly be entering my new books in the future.
Thank you for all your hard work.’

Samantha Bertish, author of Zuma the Dog

’The Wishing Shelf Awards is a community spirited competition – with a lot of heart. It is run for, and by, people who really care about lifting and celebrating the quality of independent writing.’

Alexander Wallis, Author of The Way Knight

’The Wishing Shelf Awards are friendly, accessible and well-run. I’ve been really impressed with the attention to detail, receptiveness to authors’ questions and downright friendliness that has been shown by Edward and the rest of the Wishing Shelf community. The feedback from the reading groups I received was tactful, detailed and extremely helpful, and I felt as though my book had been read and judged fairly and thoughtfully. Ironically, I was afraid of receiving the feedback; I’m so glad that I did! I’m a huge fan of the Wishing Shelf Awards and can’t wait to enter another book in the future. Thank you to Edward and to all in the reading groups who dedicate their time to the awards.’

Denise Reich, author of Front of House, Observations from a Decade on the Aisle

’Thank you so much for the opportunity to submit and I have another picture book I wish to submit this year that I think will appeal to both girls and boys. I really appreciate being considered as a "red ribbon" winner and love that your competition was an attainable competition, even though I live in the US. You did exactly what you said you would and this in itself is refreshing. I have entered a few other competitions in the US and after I paid my entry fee, I never heard from anyone again. Thank you for your time and I will submit again this year.’

Nancy Shakespeare, Author of The Tiny Princess and the Missing Chocolates

’The Wishing Shelf Awards were a great experience for me. I got to find out what my readers really thought about my books and I appreciate the honesty shown by the comments. The awards were not too expensive to enter and it was easy to send my book to them. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed every minute. Loved hearing the responses of the readers.’

Madeleine McLaughlin, author of I Want To Go To School