We read what we think should be there, rather than what is there.

Yup. I call it "creative tunnel vision", and I think it happens both in positive and negative. You get so focused on a project that you're only seeing certain good things or alternatively certain bad things about it. You become blind to what's wrong with it, and sometimes even what's good with it. You can be thinking, "Oh, it's good the way it is! No bad mistakes!" or "This is the worst thing I've ever made and I couldn't possibly save it!" I started using the term in film school, because it's not limited just to writing. In the case of films, graphic design projects, paintings... in almost anything you can get so caught up you start to get blind. The best remedy is usually to step back and put the project down for a bit, and then come back with fresh eyes. Or alternatively, you can get someone else to look at the project with fresh eyes like you recommended. It's good to have a creative critique partner anyway, because it's like iron sharpening iron. You make your work that much better.

I always have the problem of deciding when something is finally "done". That is when I need someone to read what I have written. Otherwise, I will just keep rewriting it forever...lol My daughter used to do this for me, but she is too far away. I have to conquer this on my own now...tough job.