Since I am a teacher, I've really been utilizing my summer days in book promotion.
One of the ways I've done this is by reaching out to independent bookstores and participating in local events.
I've participated in events with over 200 people. I've also spent time in bookstores with a much smaller turnout. Here are three things I've learned thus far:
1. Do not underestimate the truth in knowing your audience. At one of the larger events I attended there were no other books in my genre--in fact the majority of books were in an extremely opposite category.
I sold the least amount of books at this event because those readers were not my target audience. (In my defense, the event did not specify a genre of books so I really didn't know.) I sold three times as many books at a much smaller Christian bookstore event, because I was serving my target audience.
2. Follow up with your contacts. Keep in mind to serve and not sell. I gave each bookstore owner a copy of my book when I went to speak to them about hosting an event and/or carrying my book in their store. Talk about ways you can help possibly bring people in to their store.
3. Make pre-orders available with google forms. Include special swag as a reward for those who preorder. This will help you determine how many books you need to bring to an event.
Here is a sample one I did for my June events.
The main thing is to have fun and get to know your readers!
Some pics from events