Nice map! I like the shape of the continent and i also like the look of the mountains.
As i am no expert in digital map-making, i will leave the answers to your question to all the pros here. But if you're willing, I'd like to read some of the "great deal of background" you're talking about I am a hobby-world-builder myself and always like to see what other minds come up with.

Oh and have some rep. !