So this is the final round of feedback on the first 1250 words, and it's up, posted to the 1st 5 Pages Writing Workshop's pages.
This round included the query, which apparently I was the only one to include title, genre and word count (which I'm STILL working to reduce). I guess the 200 words didn't have to include those; I could have used the extra 40 for plot. It's super-short, compared to some of the others, but with this MS I feel shorter is better.
I've enjoyed working with the MS this way, and I've internalized some very good editing techniques, which I'm now putting to use on the MS, and I'll write about when I've finished -- version 11.
I can't thank the folks who helped me prepare the query enough. You're word wizards, each and every one of you.
And I am very appreciative for the feedback from my fellow participants and the workshop's permanent mentors THANK YOU!