Thanks, Jed, and let me know when your books are up. I think you'll like the Zack Taylor series. I've got a 5-story collection in print and up on Smashwords, too: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/113991

All can be sampled first, so you can see if you'll like the writing!

Jed,

First things first-- congratulations! You've got a book to publish.

Second, you are making important decisions with long-term consequences. In this new world of publishing, you're correct (and smart) to get control.

You need to be well-informed. Can't say this enough.

Get the following, and thoroughly digest them:

The Newbie's Guide to Publishing, by JA Konrath. http://www.jakonrath.com/writers.htm

Dean Wesley Smith books:
Think Like a Publisher
http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?page_id=3736

Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing
http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?page_id=860

New World of Publishing
http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?page_id=2168

Dan Poynter's Guide to Self-Publishing.
http://www.amazon.com/Dan-Poynters-Self-Publishing-Manual-Write/dp/...

The website of Kristine Kathryn Rusch.
http://kriswrites.com/
Because being your own publisher is a business, so it pays to know the business you're getting into.

That company who offered for your book is not really a publisher, they're providing one-time services and a website listing.

 
These are easy things to outsource, and you don't give up profits on your book forever. Do you still want to giving up a percentage of your book 5 years down the road? 10? Longer? As they say, "forever is a long time."

Okay-- has your book been professionally edited? It's going out as your brand- is it a professional product? Because it's going to establish your reputation.

It is vital that your book cover look professional as well. Your son may do a great job-- if so, that's terrific.
Better, though, for this task is experience and a proven track record-- and right now, you can get the bargain of a lifetime-- top-notch cover designer at a steal!
http://indieauthorservices.com/2012/03/01/march-madness-cover-sale/

For formatting, there are people who will do it for a small fee. Compare rates and see what else they've done. We're talking at best, a couple of hours work, so price accordingly.

Yes, put out the ebook on Smashwords first. Because your ebook is instantly available in ALL e-reader formats. And you can get instant notification on each sale, can do coupons for free for reviewers, and it's 1-2-3 easy.
They have a free, easy-to-follow guide. You say you aren't technically savvy-- can you follow directions? Take a look at it, and work through it.

It's a pain point to have to learn this stuff, but you'll be doing it over and over for a long while, as each book is ready. You can do this yourself, or continue to pay others to do it for you-- your choice.

And for print, go to CreateSpace. They have templates, and it's a doable process for you. I've put out 5 books of short stories since December! They look great. A couple are already listed on Amazon, and I'll get the others up.

If you're going to be in this business, it's something vital to learn, or you're giving away a huge share of profits for simple stuff. We're talking a few hours and a bit of learning curve, but well worth it as a career move.

Jed, hope this helps. Hate to see people work so hard on the writing and then hand over the money to someone else for a bit of work.

Thanks for the warm welcome Jed.