Previous Finalists

Comments from Authors/Publishers

So far, the Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards have helped me mainly in terms of how my book actually looks. I was glad to hear that readers from a range of age groups enjoyed it, especially teens -- previously, it had only been read by adults. However something that was flagged by multiple readers was the need to change the cover to be something more age-appropriate, and this is something I’ll look at doing. The feedback I received was thus really useful, and the way in which it was all collated and distilled into different elements (eg "x readers liked the humour; y liked the plot") was both very thoughtful and very useful.

Laura May, author of Pickles and Ponies

‘The Wishing Shelf Awards means quite a lot to me because unlike all the other traditional awards programs it was judged by the people we write for, Children. And to know that they appreciate the work makes it all the more meaningful.’

Marc Cadieux, author of Christmas Nevermore

‘After I had published my first book ’Cell Wars’, I looked at quite a few awards that I felt would help me to market the book. There are literally hundreds to choose from and for a new author it was daunting. A lot of the awards were very expensive to enter and you didn’t actually get anything to help promote your book. The Wishing Shelf Awards were different. Read by actual children, parents and teachers, I couldn’t have wished for a better audience to review my book. The reviews are to the point and help you to see where you got it right and maybe where you didn’t. Having the reviews on Amazon is worth the entry money alone and obviously winning a silver medal was a great ending to a competition I entered over a year ago. That was probably the biggest downside but at least you know your book is actually read by people! The group behind the Wishing Shelf Awards, namely Edward and Stuart, are very professional and helpful and I would be happy to enter another book this year. Maybe it will be the Gold this time. ‘

Amanda Miles, author of Cell Wars

‘I am a self-published children’s author who is not looking to write the next blockbusting best-seller but rather just wants to write books people want to read and enjoy. Most book awards seem to exclude - deliberately or otherwise - authors like myself or not take such books seriously,. The Wishing Shelf awards caught my eye because they are different. They are independent, fair and review and rate books on merit not on fame. Their reviewers are real readers - your target audience - and not a professional review panel. Ok so my book didn’t win or even get short-listed but I still feel it was worth entering. The feedback I got was really useful and positive. Entering my book in these awards has undoubtedly helped me as a writer and made me want to write even more. I’d encourage all authors - particularly small, self-published ones - to enter their book in The Wishing Shelf Awards. You won’t regret it.’

Ryan Cartwright, author of Sugar Robot and the Race to Save Earth

‘It’s been a pleasure being part of the Wishing Shelf Award, sharing the anticipation of the announcements of the winners with an interesting group of authors on our Facebook page, and finally getting the feedback on my book. Since Tales of the Gemstone Elves is my first book, this is all pretty new to me, but I don’t know any other contest that lets you see who your fellow authors are. Also, the comments were very helpful and answered many questions that I had been wondering about. Now I feel I have some ideas to make my books better, and that means a lot to me.

If you get a chance, please pass on a message to the children, parents, and teachers who read my book, that I am sending them a big “Thank You!”, and please tell them I’m working on Volume Two of Tales of the Gemstone Elves, which should be out later this year or early next year. I would like to enter that in the contest, too. Hopefully, this next book will be better because of their help.

Thank you for creating and managing this wonderful, unique award program where everyone is a winner. I love the catchy quote you gave me - “a fun, exciting adventure” - it’s perfect for my book.’

Patricia Elizabeth Bennett, author of Tales of the Gemstone Elves