I have no experience with this ... yet. But I think you'll probably have to do both. Read about about doing better marketing. I'm personally trying to grow an email list and followers so that I have "fans" before I even have my book finished. I'd research and learn all that I could about marketing your book and start now. (This post was the beginning.) And then when you think the book is ready and that you've started gaining a following, go take that book to a publisher or 3. See what they say. Make sure it's edited well. Also go on the PAL discord channel and find the #fictionworkshop . Those people are gangsters and can really do a good job answering questions.
Great job writing a book! Mines still in the works!
Thanks @jayjayjeffery! I think my main objective is to be a bit more savvy with marketing.
I think I need to market my new one a bit too, I've not exactly left it neglected, but I've been focusing too much on the published one and not been talking too much about the new one. This new one is way more important to me!
I'll check out that PAL discord channel too! :)