As P.L Harris, Hidden Secrets was a finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s 2017 IDA International Digital Awards, young adult category. Callie’s Dilemma, was a finalist in the Virginia Romance Writers of America’s 2017 Fools of Love Contest, short contemporary romance short category.

​

In His Protection was a finalist in the Romance Writers of Australia Emerald Pro Award. (Due to receiving a publishing contract, it had to be withdrawn from the contest). In His Protection won first place in 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense in the short romantic suspense category. As P.L. Harris, she was a double finalist in the 2021 RWAus Sapphire Award and placed second in the 2022 RWAus Sapphire Award. Under the name Polly Holmes, she received equal third in the 2024 RWAus RuBy Book of the Year for The Secret Society in the speculative fiction category.

​

She won silver in the 2020 ROAR! National Business Awards in the Writer/Blogger/Author category and, for the second year in a row, she was a finalist in the 2021 ROAR! National Business Awards winning bronze in the Writer/Blogger/Author and gold in the Hustle and Heart categories. She was a finalist in the Author category in the 2022 Mumpreneur Awards. P.L. Harris recieved two finalist placings in the 2022 Freedom Awards. The Secret Legacy received third place in the 2023 National Excellence in Story Telling Contest (NEST). Deadly Obsession were long-listed in the Davitt Awards, a prestigious award run by the Sisters of Crime, Australia.

​

In 2023, for her contribution to writing and publishing, under her real name, Peta Flanigan won silver in the Women in Literature category of the International Women Changing the World Award presented by Dr. Terarai Trent. She was a finalist in the 2023 ALABI Awards with the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative and she also received Gold in Writer/Blogger/Author category as well as the Hustle and Heart category in the 2023! ROAR! National Business Awards. In 2024, P.L Harris became a judge for the 2024 ROAR! Business Awards.

​

As Polly Holmes, Cupcakes and Corpses was a finalist in the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America’s 2019 IDA International Digital Awards, short suspense category. Cupcakes and Curses claimed second place and Cupcakes and Cyanide gained third place, making it a clean sweep in the category.

​

In the 2022, Muffins & Magic and Mistletoe, Murder & Mayhem by Polly Holmes and . Muffins & Magic is a finalist in the 2022 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards followed by Black Magic Murder was successful in gaining a finalist position in the 2023 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards, it also received fifth place in the 2024 National Excellence in Story Telling Contest. (NEST). A Deadly Disappearance Down Under was a finalist in the 2022 Indi Cozy Mystery Book of the Year.​