Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

‘It is absolutely vital as a creator of literature for children to be able to access this sort of feedback. Being able to go ’through’ The Wishing Shelf allows the readers to respond openly and honestly - this is the vital part! If I went into a school (which I do) teachers and students might (and do) feel obliged to be ’kind’ or find themselves slightly inhibited in their comments. Maybe they don’t - but I worry that they might.

So I was thrilled with the responses from teachers and children to my work - even the apparantly negative comments were actually very heartening as I intended to write an ephemeral story which required the reader or readers to actively involve themselves - hence not much appears to happen. I have other stories which might appeal to these boys - once they are ready I will submit to The Wishing Shelf again. Also, having your (Edward) personal feedback was extremely helpful and added extra weight to the comments from parents, teachers and children.

I was particularly delighted by the teachers comment ’this book will make children think’ as this perfectly summed up the driving force behind my creating this book. And the complements to my illustrators brilliant work were gratefully received - she is amazingly talented and I am lucky to work with her.

My experience with The Wishing Shelf has been truly wonderful. It is a unique and extraordinarily beneficial organisation for writers and creators of work for children. I am thrilled to be awarded a Red Ribbon by The Wishing Shelf.’

Zoe Greaves, author of Ratcliffe’s Who Can Fluke ‘Em

‘The people who judge this award (in the children’s categories) are teachers, parents and most importantly children. It is wonderful to know that your book is being read by your target audience. I was delighted to receive a finalist medal and I was impressed with how hard Edward worked to publicise the winners and also how efficiently the awards were run overall. Highly recommended to all authors.’

Ruth Whenham, author of My Crazy Pen

‘In terms of value for money and feedback that is constructive and helps generate publicity for your book, The Wishing Shelf Awards (TWSA) should be top of the list of competitions that authors enter. They are superbly organised and the judging process is designed to support independent authors and bring their books to the attention of readers with a genuine passion for new writing. I wholeheartedly recommend TWSA to all the independent authors out there, wherever you are based in the world.’

Faiz Kermani , author of Gobo the Spider’s Amazing Vacuum Cleaner Adventure

‘Having stumbled upon this through Google searching Book Awards, I can now say I am a Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards! Which I definitely could not have done before and I can now add the prestigious logo onto my front cover! Best of all, it was chosen as part of the selection, by the kids who my book, Ben The Outside Dog, it is aimed at. It has been a wonderfully informed Awards Group, with lots of assistance in promoting, with constructive feedback and useful tips from like minded writers, the Judges and from the organisers. I would highly recommend any authors looking for an awards group that is a platform for Independent Authors who need that helping hand.’

Jenna Rothwell, author of Ben the Outside Dog

‘I was so happy to learn I’d won the Gold Award for the 9-12 year old category of the 2014 Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards for my title, Shadow Jumper. What is so refreshingly different from many other awards is that it is judged by readers (in the case of my book, by school children). The fact that each entrant gets constructive, invaluable feedback is also a great bonus and is what attracted me to enter the competition in the first place. Edward Trayner took time to look my book up on Amazon before he agreed to place it in the competition - just one demonstration of the thoroughness with which the Awards are run. Edward has been professional and approachable throughout the whole process. There is a friendly Facebook group which he frequently visits to keep entrants up-dated with competition news and progress.
Taking part in this competition has undoubtedly had an impact on sales and will help future marketing endeavours - I can now call myself an award-winning author!

I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the Wishing Shelf Book Awards to any self-published or independently-published author, whether writing for children or adults and I shall be returning to the competition when my next book is completed.

Thank you, Edward Trayer for making the experience so worthwhile and enjoyable.’

J M Forster, author of Shadow Jumper