Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’I would highly recommend entering your book in the Wishing Shelf Awards, especially if you’re an independent (self-published) author. The main reason, for me, is that the awards are judged by the target audience itself, something that gives them particular integrity. I think this is especially valuable for children’s books, for which it can be difficult to get feedback from kids directly (as opposed to adults buying or reviewing on behalf of children). Another plus is that the awards are judged on clearly explained objective criteria, using a points system over a number of categories, and any and all books that meet a certain level can become finalists. Finally, there’s the fact that ALL books entered receive written feedback, a ’catchy quote’ and (if the author wishes) reviews posted on Goodreads and Amazon. All this makes the entry cost a very good investment in my view. Just one word of warning: the feedback will be honest and may contain negatives as well as positives - but any author serious about improving their craft should welcome that.’

Christopher Peter, author of Danny Chaucer’s Flying Saucer

’The Wishing Shelf Book awards is an excellent vehicle for authors to receive constructive advice from seasoned readers. My book doesn’t naturally fall into a conventional category, so I was a little bit worried. However, their astute critiques, comments and praise are honestly recorded and placed on Amazon for all to see; along with a catchy summary. All in all, a worthwhile process even if you don’t scoop a prize.’

Jeremy Flint, author of Looking for The Way

’The Wishing Shelf Awards are excellent, using pupils and schools as judges for the books entered. The specific feedback from the children was also superb; thought-provoking and constructive. I plan to use the catchy quote provided on social media, as well as in my direct communication with schools, libraries and book festivals. I think teachers and librarians will appreciate the comments of target audience.
The most enlightening sentence was from a ten-year old boy, who wrote ‘I’m not a big reader but I liked this. The drawings were funny and so was the story.’ It is a tremendous achievement for the Wishing Shelf Awards to help stimulate and engage some of the most reluctant readers to learn to enjoy books.’

Stuart Reid, author of Gorgeous George and the Zigzag Zit-Faced Zombies

’The feedback provided by the Wishing Shelf Awards judges, who are children, teachers, and parents, was especially helpful for me because my books are part of a series. It allowed me to receive feedback on two books from judges who could contrast the stories. It was also helpful to receive feedback directly from 8 to 9 year old children without an adult filter. It’s a great program, and I’ll be back with the next entries in the series.’

C. F. Crawford, author of Tales of Mr. Snuggywhiskers

’Independent authors often have difficulty obtaining thoughtful feedback; friends and family may be too forgiving, while other readers may not give any feedback at all. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards provide a great way for authors to hear what readers think, not only about a book’s content and style, but also about the cover, the blurb, all the small but important details that make a book seem professional or amateurish. And unlike many supposed awards for independent authors, The Wishing Shelf is not a scam. If you enter and request feedback, you really will get feedback. And if you qualify as a finalist or even perhaps win, that’s icing on the cake. Kudos to Edward and his teams of readers for helping independent authors be as good as they can possibly be.’

Amanda Witt, author of Red, The Watch