Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

‘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

‘The Wishing Shelf award has aided me in so many opportunities, since winning the gold last year. I was able to sign a book distributor for all of my books, which I believe was only possible having the award to display on my cover. I also gave me a huge boost of confidence, having 35 children agree that my books are excellent. Their unique perspective is golden to an children’s book author, giving insight into how they read, comprehend, and enjoy books.’

Julie Anne Grasso, author of Frankie Dupont and the Mystery of Enderby Manor