"The Cool Hunters of Publishing": Book Madam & Associates is a collective of publishing and media professionals who love bright ideas and have been known to have a few of their own. Our goal is simple: to point to smart, savvy projects and people. Also expect inspiration, critiques, news items and the odd kitten video.

The Associates: A rotating door of professional fans that currently includes Nic Boshart, Sean Cranbury, Jill Murray and Kimberly Walsh.

The Madam and Story Stylist: Julie Wilson

Q: Julie, I've seen you speak on panels about author promotion. Are you accepting clients?

A: At present, my live chats are the closest thing I do toward author-specific promotion. I most often work with publicists to make these arrangements. The majority of my work benefits authors peripherally. For instance, one client is an international agent. Working with her, I support her author list. Another client is a publisher. I'm building a podcast archive of author readings to be used across a variety of media, academic and reader communities. Beyond that, my work extends to short and long term contracts with a host of partners who exist, wholly or in part, to support the publishing industry: CBC, Open Book Toronto/Ontario, International Festival of Authors, Iambik Books, Globe and Mail, National Post, and so on.

Q: What is a "professional fan?"

A: I used to be a publicist, then Online Content Manager, for a successful indie press. Now I work on behalf of all publishing, attracted to a wide variety of projects that excite me personally and can benefit from my enthusiasm. It may seem romantic, but I've had tremendous luck and opportunity to work solely with people and organizations that inspire and impress me.

Q: If you could give me one piece of free advice, what would it be?

A: Always talk at length with your publicist before approaching a freelance publicist. They're already getting paid to work on behalf of your book, whereas I have to charge a minimum just to chat.

Q: What can I pay you to do?

A: I offer a range of boutique services, namely one-to-one conversations that cover off the following:

• How to talk to your publicist.

• How to talk to the reader.

• How to talk to a bookseller.

• How to use social media.

• How to pitch an agent.

• How to pitch a publisher.

All services charge by the hour and are conducted via email or Skype.

Still want to be in touch? Contact Julie Wilson (The Madam) at julie AT bookmadam DOT com.