@hachebrown Looks like your hard work and diligence is paying off!
I did get a couple of people I know who are editors to look at my first novel (I even paid some cash) but the results were disappointing. Also tried some other avenues (colleagues, friends, family). Overall not what I was looking for, although I think if you could find an editor like you see in movies or read about in books (the kind that actually make the story better) it would be great.
I agree that there is no substitute for working hard and sticking with it. I like the 10,000 hour rule - that is, until you have been doing something for 10K hours you can't be considered an expert. I've got a ways to go yet before I hit that number.
That said, some people are born story tellers/writers and I don't believe there's any teaching that!
Cheers for now
S