Episode Summary
In this episode of Liz on Biz, Liz Theresa welcomes her friend, Maggie Van Galen, a seasoned copywriter, editor, proofreader, and children’s book author. Maggie Van Galen shares her journey from telling stories to her children to publishing two acclaimed children’s book series: “The Adventures of Kino and Ernest” and “King’s Day Out.” She discusses her evolution from self-published author to boutique publishing, her experience with book awards, and her “charity of choice” program that donates book proceeds. The conversation dives into the nuances of authentic storytelling in marketing, the realities of self-publishing and marketing books, and Maggie Van Galen’s recent move into author consulting. The episode ends with inspiring reminders about the power of claiming your story and not being afraid to ask for what you want.
Meet Maggie
I’ve been chasing the right words since I was old enough to hold a pen, and more than 30 years later, I’m still at it. I’m a copywriter, editor, wordsmith, and award-winning children’s book author, and I’ve built my career across journalism, marketing, and storytelling. Along the way I learned one thing above all else: people don’t connect with perfect copy. They connect with copy that sounds like a real person.
That belief is the heart of my business and my tagline, “Words are my gig!” I help busy professionals, along with the agencies and marketers who serve them, turn tangled, hard-to-say ideas into clear, compelling messaging. My signature Deep Dive Process is built around the one promise that sets me apart: I capture your voice. The finished piece sounds like you on your best day, never like a writer borrowed for the afternoon.
Copywriting is at the core of what I do, but it’s far from all of it. I also offer:
- Editing & Proofreading: For those who have the words down but want a sharp second set of eyes.
- Author Consulting: For aspiring authors who dream of writing a book and need a map to get there.
It all comes back to the same thing: helping people say what they mean in a way that truly lands.
My storytelling background is a big part of why my work has so much heart. As an award-winning author, I’ve learned that whether I’m writing a homepage or a children’s book, the goal is the same: make the reader feel something.
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me dreaming up new ideas, sipping something warm, and laughing with my boys.
Topics Covered
- Maggie Van Galen’s background as a copywriter, editor, and children’s book author (00:00:28)
- Overview of her two children’s book series:
- “The Adventures of Kino and Ernest” — moral stories for kids (00:01:03)
- “King’s Day Out” — co-authored with an occupational therapist, centering on neurodivergence and sensory challenges (00:01:22)
- The journey to publishing and the joy of seeing words in print (00:02:26)
- Self-publishing in the early 2000s — the transformation and ongoing challenges (00:03:01)
- Hosting a grassroots book launch and winning the Mom’s Choice Award (00:03:26)
- Using stories and morals from real life and her children’s experiences (00:05:14)
- Authentic storytelling in business and marketing, plus the importance of uniqueness in website and copywriting (00:05:55)
- Evolution into author consulting and helping others get published (00:14:13)
- Behind the scenes of co-writing “King’s Day Out” and collaborating with specialists (00:15:03)
- Demystifying the publishing world: self-publishing, indie, and hybrid routes (00:23:21)
- Honest talk on marketing, promotions, and the need for authors to hustle (00:24:48)
- Creative book marketing and launch strategies — including ARCs, preorders, and promotional campaigns (00:27:17)
- Encouragement to claim your story, overcome imposter syndrome, and ask for opportunities (00:35:46)
Key Resources & Mentions
- Website: Maggie Van Galen’s Website
- Book Series: King’s Day Out series for families navigating sensory challenges & The Adventures of Keeno & Ernest
- Awards: Mom’s Choice Awards for children’s books
- Services: Author consulting services—editing, manuscript development, and publishing guidance
- Giving Back: Charity of Choice program: 15% of book proceeds donated to charities supporting children and animals
Connect with the Guest
- Website: maggievangalen.com
- Social Media: LinkedIn & Instagram: @MaggieVanGalen
Notable Quotes
“Your story is worth telling.” — Maggie Van Galen (00:36:14)
“If you don’t ask, the answer is no.” — Liz Theresa (00:38:21)
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