I read the other day that the head of HarperCollins worldwide, Jane Friedman, was the inventor of the author tour as a way of selling books. I had always been led to believe that the honour went to Alewyn Birch of Granada who sent many a poor author to Australia to drum up sales. This was so successful that Alewyn used to promise author tours in order to increase initial orders even when there was absolutely no chance. However, I have been reminded that Macmillan sent Rudyard Kipling to Australia in 1891 (along with Rolf Boldrewood) and we even paid to get him into the members stand at the Melbourne Cup. I think this must predate Alewyn and Jane.

I'm not a great tourist sightseer but this was the view from the restaurant where we held the traditional Pan Macmillan directors annual dinner last night. I'm thinking of running a competition for the best views from Macmillan offices worldwide - please submit photos. The one from our Sydney office is right up there but not quite as good as this.