Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’I am the self published author of one book - Clementine Court - A place where friends meet. I recently entered the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. I was not a finalist however, I did receive a fabulous critique from the sixteen people who read my book.
The attention detail was marvellous and their comments invaluable to me, a novice in the literature world.
I look forward to next year when I will definitely be entering my second book for consideration.
I found this writing contest to be of the highest calibre, professionally run and very informative throughout the whole selection process. I encourage anyone who wishes to receive recognition or valuable feedback for their independent writing to consider entry in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
The entry fee is reasonable, and participation feels personal through the communication received during the consideration period. A factor missing from other writing contests.’




Thank you once again for a pleasant experience that helps to validate my writing and my belief in myself, even though I failed to be amongst the winning entrants.

Chris Bakos, author of Clementine Court

!I found the feedback very constructive and helpful. It is also encouraging that the readers took their time to read my debut novel and found the storylines, themes, and characters enjoyable. Many thanks.’

Mimizz Efemena Agwarota, author of Mysterious Depth, An African Adventure

’Thank you, Edward. The feedback is so positive and makes me glad I published such a hybrid book. The fact readers enjoyed my photos and poems is interesting because I know that a book of photos or of poetry would be shunned by most buyers and yet in this mixed collection they grab attention - an interesting marketing point! I will definitely submit my next book for The Wishing Shelf Awards as I appreciate the selective acceptance, the professional approach to judging by the panels involved and of course the quality of feedback. I am also really pleased to be a finalist. Thank you for running an award that gives so much to the authors whose work is accepted as a high enough standard to be considered.’

Jean Gill, author of One Sixth of a Gill

’I entered the Wishing Shelf Independent Book award this year and found the community atmosphere to be great. There is a lot of interaction and support on the facebook group. While I didn’t make the final in my group, the fact that you receive detailed feedback from your target audience is a definite plus. I received a lot of great comments, as well as pointer to improve my cover for the age group that I was aiming at.

All in all a great competition and one that I am sure I will enter again next year.’

Michael Andrews, author of The Empty Chair

’What gives this the Wishing Shelf book awards the edge? Well for me it is one word in the title-Independent. I am not a professional writer, I would not have the temerity to use the word ‘author’. I happen to have written a book. Friends might like it, but they are friends after all. What this Award brings you is not glittering prizes, not even a silver-plated winners’ cup, it is something far more valuable. It is honest feedback on your work by people who have taken the time the review your writing. The feedback is both constructive and helpful to those new to this literary world or for those wishing to have another crack at putting words on a page. It is a very special book awards. It’s remarkable in that there are no frills, no gimmicks, no false promises, just good old fashioned pointers to help you with better writing. It has given me the confidence to write another book. Thank you Wishing Shelf…’

David C. Pike, author of Beyond the Flames, A London Fireman’s Story