Refibered:
I know you are ways from publishing/copyrighting your new idea, but it sounds like you are on the right path.
I agree that you should have some quilters test your pattern. You could have them sign agreements not to duplicate or share your pattern outside of testing.
If you want to get a foot forward on the marketing part, I would email some of the fabric makers that feature patterns on their websites, like Robert Kaufman, to see how they select patterns or pattern makers.
You also might try emailing people like Eleanor Burns or Jennifer Chiaverini. I know they are well known now, but they started from scratch at one point too. They might just write you back with how they got started, and could give you advice for the next part of your adventure.
Good Luck!