Sorry...this is a real drag...
Try this work-around...
Before dragging the layouts over to the publisher side, go to File menu - Page or Plot Setup
Change your printer or plotter settings here first
Don't forget to update your master layout settings as well.
Now drag your layouts to publisher. The settings you just created should stay fixed with the layouts. Verify by opening the publisher settings...
If all of your layouts are the same size, this can save time....If you have different sizes, apply the page setup settings that pertain to the most common layouts.
HTH