[Brainhose]

I've only written technical documents and educational documents at work.
Self-editing is very difficult.
Having someone else read it is a huge help, they always find mistakes that you may miss. When they point out the mistakes you'll say "How on Earth did I miss that?". I'll ask around and see if I can dig someone up.
I know my sister is very good at that sort of thing. I'll see if she's willing or if she knows someone else who is.
Best of luck and congrats on your novel.

Reminds me of a terrible joke though:
2 Lions are crouching in the brush staring at an author and his editor sitting under a tree.
1st Lion: Are you as hungry as I am?
2nd Lion: Nah, I ate earlier, but go right ahead.
The 1st Lion charges from the brush and grabs the editor and consumes him, leaving the author unscathed. He then saunters back to his friend waiting in the brush, all the while licking his chops.
2nd Lion: How come you only ate the editor, surely you could have finished them both?
1st Lion: Easy, because writers cramp but Readers Digest.

I'm sorry, I did get that from Readers Digest many years ago.

[Vor Lady]

Thanks for the joke! I have four people so far reading my manuscript and some extras lined up for after. The first responses have been positive from my friends, but one never knows if they are saying that so they don't hurt my feelings or if they think it is good. I've thought of hooking them up to a battery to quiz them, but for some reason they object....