Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

’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

’When we read about the Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards, we thought, "Wow! We could hear feedback from kids!" We have often wondered how our book, which is set mostly in America but partly in Cornwall, might be received by kids across the Atlantic. We never dreamed we might win a bronze medal. We have to say, the prizes for finalists and medal winners are awesome! Even more awesome was hearing feedback from the kids who read our book. We send many thanks to them, and to their teachers, and to their parents, and especially to Billy Bob Buttons!’

Rosie McTozy (and Jane Donovan), authors of Esme Dooley

’The Wishing Shelf Book Awards is a great place for indie writers to get constructive feedback about their stories. Over thirty readers (a mix of school children and teachers) read my story and the feedback I received was both honest and insightful. There are not many genuine opportunities like this to help improve your writing and I’m grateful for all of the feedback I’ve received for both Napoleon Xylophone and Xyz.’

Frank Lambert, author of Xyz