Interview with Children's Book Author Bonnie B. Cuzzolino

Award winning author Bonnie Cuzzolino and her family live in New Jersey. Bonnie and her husband Ray are the parents to a beautiful daughter adopted from Hubei, China in November of 2001 at 12 months old. She and her husband are now waiting for a referral for their second daughter from China through Holt International Children's Services. Bonnie has had a lifelong passion to write children's books. This book is her first and is dedicated to her daughter, Jillian Mei. You can visit her website at http://www.plumblossombooks.com/.

Welcome to Pump Up Your Online Book Promotion, Bonnie. Can we begin by having you tell us what Letter of Love From China is about and why you wrote it?

It is the story of my daughter, Jillian Mei’s adoption from China at the age of 12 months. Part of the story is based on the facts we know and the rest is based on the possibilities behind her relinguishment by her birth family. It is written in the voice of her birth mom in the form of a letter to her explaining birth mom’s love and hopes for her adoption. It is beautifully illustrated with vivid colors and scenes of Chinese life.

Letter of Love From China is a children’s picture book. Why did you choose this genre to write?

I wanted to write strictly children’s books and a dedication to my daughter seemed the best place to start. Did you choose it or did it choose you? I feel it chose me. My daughter had questions about her birth mom in China and this was a way to answer those questions for her. At the same time it would help other children understand the adoption process and provide a wonderful keepsake.

In regards to promotion, what have you been doing to promote your book online?

I advertise to adoption Yahoo groups, entering writing contests, have my own detailed website and now have chosen a virtual book tour.

Of all the promotional items (bookmarks, press kits, etc…) you have used to promote your book, which one was used most effectively?

So far advertising to the Yahoo groups and word of mouth with the help of friends has proven rather effective. I knew I needed to take promoting to a higher level to be truly successful.

Do you feel that the Internet has opened doors for authors who never dreamed they’d ever see a publishing contract and how has it influenced you in regards to your own publishing journey?

Yes, the internet is a great source for authors and publishers. It opens you up to a world wide audience. It has provided me with all the tools needed to research the best route for me to publish and has given me ideas for promoting my book. It also has offered me the opppotunity to enter writing contests of which my book recently became the Silver Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award for Best Children’s Book in the Family Life category.

If you were in the middle of Manhattan (or any busy thoroughfare) and you wanted to call attention to your book, what would you do and what would you say?

I would set up an area that would call out to help orphans worldwide by educating all children and parents on the subject. I would let people know I donate a portion of my book proceeds to orphans through my adoption agency. I would invite everyone to stop , ask questions and of course buy my book.

If you could trade places with any author just for a day, who would it be and why?

That would be Eric Carle. His books are adorable and I would love to be able to do my own illustrations as he does. He enjoys such great success and recognition which is every writers dream.

Lastly, how do you determine your book’s success?

Success is determined by the compliments you get by every reader that enjoys your book. Recognition for your accomplishments is so important too by the industry itself.

Thank you for coming, Bonnie! Can you tell us where everyone can pick up a copy of Letter of Love From China?

My book is available on my website at http://www.plumblossombooks.com.

BUY THE BOOK