#3. The only way to assess whether a story is ready for publication is to create a publication version, wait, and then read it.
I have discovered that the only way to assess the completeness, consistency, quality etc. of a story, a novella or a book is to actually package it up and create a publication of it.
Then you wait. For enough time to disengage from it.
Then you read it.
You will get a shock. You will find that you are further away from the finish line than you thought you were. But you will be creatively disillusioned.