I am told by Putnam today that I will be in DC for roughly three days and NYC for three days. No Boston this time.

Last time I went four days early on a pre-release tour-let in DC, plus 10 days of running around (okay, I had the weekend mostly off, so it was more like 8 days).

Little disappointed to see a shorter tour scheduled, but also a bit relieved. Wife and kids not looking forward to that, and frankly, I did more media after the tour on the book than I did during the tour, so the squeeze up front is a bit artificial.

Still, you're most likely to land on a bestseller list in opening week, thus the big media push.

I would expect Putnam to spin the shorter tour by saying that I'm much better known this time so they can do more with less time, etc., and I buy that, because last tour did have its share of dead zones amidst the racing around.

Then again, I must be realistic. I was very lucky to get the deal I got with Putnam for what most in the business would consider a sequel. I call it Vol. II with good reason, but most in the business will think "sequel" and assume smaller sales, like any Part Deux.

I myself like always beating expectations, and will try to do so again this time. You know, last time I got NYT BSL in about the 6th week thanks to Brian Lamb.

Hmmm. Might be time to start blogging heavily on how much I respect and value Mr. Lamb and CSPAN . . .