If you've been relying on Reels for all of your Instagram growth, you might want to try this instead... In this new YouTube video, I break down an Instagram trend that's been getting my posts more reach, engagement, and new followers, and it's much easier to create than you might think! The best part? You don't need to dance, spend hours editing videos, or post complicated content 🙌 If you're looking for a simple way to get more visibility for your children's book on Instagram, this is definitely worth checking out!

I wanted to share a small milestone and reflection as a children’s author and creative founder. I was invited to participate in the BGV TikTok Telethon hosted by Black Girl Ventures on Thursday, June 18. The event is centered around entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, access to capital, and founder storytelling. I’m nervous, but I decided to say yes anyway. This moment made me think about how important visibility is for authors, especially when our work is connected to representation, identity, family, confidence, and helping children see themselves in stories. As I continue building Kismet Wonders and my creative catalog, including children’s books, journals, and storytelling-centered products, I’m realizing that platform-building is not separate from the work. It is part of how the work reaches the people it was created for. Sometimes we wait until everything feels perfect before we share what we’re building. But I’m learning that showing up, even while still growing, can open doors to community, opportunity, and deeper alignment. Just wanted to share this as encouragement for anyone else learning how to step into visibility while still becoming more confident in their voice and their work.

Hello everyone, I’m in the early stages of exploring something that feels very aligned with children’s literacy, SEL, and culturally affirming education resources, and I would love guidance from this community. I’m exploring a Department of Education SBIR Phase IA opportunity connected to children’s literacy, SEL, and culturally affirming education resources. The concept I’m developing is a digital SEL/literacy prototype for ages 4–8, beginning with one of my children’s books that focuses on emotions, self-expression, identity, and self-love. One requirement is a school or children’s organization participation letter for feedback/usability activities if the proposal is awarded. I’m trying to learn the best way to approach schools, early learning centers, libraries, after-school programs, or literacy organizations for this type of partnership. Has anyone here worked with schools, librarians, literacy programs, SEL educators, or children’s organizations for pilots, classroom feedback, or educational resource testing? I’d be grateful for any advice or possible direction.

I know this is more of a product/brand post, but I wanted to share this because it connects to the larger storytelling work I’m building through Kismet Wonders and my books. I created a short visual reel for my Everything She Survived Became Art Tee, and the theme is centered around a woman entering an art gallery and becoming part of the artwork herself. A lot of my creative work explores healing, identity, self-love, and becoming — whether that’s through books, journals, children’s stories, or wearable art. This tee felt like another way to tell that story visually. I’m using June to be more intentional about marketing both my website and my books, so this is one of the product storytelling pieces I’m testing. Website: kismetwonders.store

I just released a brand new podcast episode, and this one is about something I wish I had started much sooner as a children's book author! It's not flashy. It's not complicated. But it has made a HUGE difference in how I market my books and grow my publishing business. I see so many authors put this off because they're focused on social media, publishing, or finishing their next book. Then, a few years later, they realize they should have started building this from day one. So in this week's episode, I'm breaking down why it's so important and how you can get started without making your marketing feel overwhelming. If you're trying to build a sustainable children's book business and create more consistent book sales, I think you'll really enjoy this one! 🎧 Listen here: https://authorharleighrose.com/episodes/10-you-need-this-if-you-want-to-sell-more-amazon-kdp-childrens-books After you listen, come back and let me know if you've already started building this for your business or if it's something you've been putting off! 👇