Thanks both hadunc and intextrovert! I've been lurking around these boards for a few weeks, so I shouldn't REALLY be surprised by the thoroughness and graciousness of responses... but still! Truly amazing and very helpful. I think you're right-on with regard to focus... I was all about GRE and top-tier schools this year, but really I need to be spending more time with my subfield both in terms of what's going on and the places where it's happening.
To poke a little further... you mentioned you had been in touch with folks at your top three. How'd you get those conversations started without coming off too "I'm going to bother you in hopes you remember my name on the application"? I'd also be curious to hear if there are any posts or places you found helpful SOPs... I had a handful of samples from my advisers, but more is always nice and some I had were pretty old. Last, but not least, I'd be curious about some of the things you sought in terms of fit. Was it mostly just courses taught and faculty interests? I got a bit discouraged when hunting through faculty and courses, only to find some great places pretty lacking in Restoration and 18th century opportunities.
Fingers still crossed I won't have to march down the application trail again... but at least if I do I'll be better equipped!