So I've gotten a couple freelance editors to do a sample chapter substantive review of "Starconvoy EH-76". A couple look really, really good, and a few less so (not "bad", necessarily, but not quite my style). Still, one in particular looks almost exactly like what I want... so I'm just waiting for the last one to get back to me to see if she's even better, and then I'll pick.
On the one hand, it's a lot of money (I think I've mentioned before? The cheapest was around $750, the most expensive just shy of $3,000). On the other hand, it'll be nice to have it done, and then dive back into the work with a fresh perspective and some expert commentary to help tighten up the story.
And then... off to publishers and agents. Hopefully before mid-November, otherwise it has to wait until January (nobody sends out work in December if you can at all help it... editors and agents are just too busy).
Progress!