How do you critique your own prose?

[El Moose Monstero]

I've got a suspicion that there's something up with the way my writing flows, but can't quite put my finger on it - I don't particularly want to have to contract out to someone else on the issue to resolve it, but when I read it, whilst I like what I read, something seems wrong. It flows but it doesnt flow as smoothly as reading author's works, I'm a little stumped for ideas on how to sort this one out, are there techniques or any of those bizarre rules sitting around for analysing prose? Goodness knows, that 2 line sentence rule of thumb improved my science writing no end, conciseness improved no end.

[Imperial Overlord]

Distance helps me. I edit better after a couple of days away from my material. My other method is I have a couple of friends and relatives (one in particular) that will give me an honest read and critical evaluation of my work.

[LordShaithis]

Just tell everyone it rules, and choke them if they disagree.