In publishers’ evolving efforts to replace expensive and ineffective author appearances, “presell tours” are increasingly targeting booksellers, according to an article by Malcolm Jones of Newsweek. “Presell tours” bring authors and booksellers together at fancy lunches and dinners—paid for by publishers, of course—and give authors the opportunity to raise awareness of their own work and stimulate orders. In a particularly revealing interview with Ken Wilson, a Los Angeles author escort, the extent of the change is exposed: In 2000, Wilson escorted 245 authors; last year he guided only 160. Booksellers note that they are “inundated by presell invitations;” with as many as five being extended each week.