Offer of publication

Those of you who have been following me for a while know I took a break for some mental health reasons. I’m back. Still not entirely whole, but here. 
During my absence, I spent quite a bit of time focusing on my writing and working to make it all that it could be. One issue I was having with querying my MS, I believe, was that it was not where it could be. I thought it was perfect, but several beta readers and critique partners showed me what could be improved on. 
Early winter, I participated in a Pitch War on Twitter and received a request from a small publication for my materials. To my delight (and utter shock if we’re being honest), they have requested permission to publish my works. 
So, after I picked my jaw up off the floor, I did what any should upon receiving such an honor. I said thank you. And I need to think about it. 
What????? Why would I dare say that?  Shouldn’t I have leapt at the opportunity? Don’t get me wrong. I am excited, but it’s not my first offer of publication. 
My first offer of publication came five years ago by a vanity press--at the time I didn’t even know the difference between vanity presses and traditional publishing. Basically, a vanity press will publishing almost anything--if the author is willing to pay. They promise to help market, which in this case meant they would set up a social media account on my behalf and have me do one interview without input or advice on how to best sell my novel. Needless to say, it made a lasting impression. 
Do I think this publisher is the same as the last one? Absolutely not. I have done my research this time, and this publisher is offering real money with real royalties. But it’s never good to let one’s guard down entirely. More than anything, the previous experience taught me that it’s the stuff you don’t know you don’t know that will get you. 
So what’s my next step? I already had outstanding queries with multiple agents, so I sent out messages saying ‘if you’re interested, you’ve got a month to kick it into gear and let me know.’ I know what you’re thinking--you already have a publisher, why do you need an agent? Frankly, because I still don’t know what the hell I’m doing. You hire a realtor to help sell your house, you hire a lawyer to sue your boss, you hire a literary agent to help negotiate your publishing contracts. The publisher is looking out for numero uno, and you should too. 
I might not get an agent--it is a small publishing house after all and some still might not view a debut author worth their time. But either way, I’m pressing forward, and I’ll keep you up to date :D