You know you're closer to publication when...

1. when you begin to receive "encouraging" rejections


2. they reject the manuscript you submitted but ask you to send your next one


3. your mentor tells you to contact his agent without you asking for a referral


4. agents and/or editors proactively contact you because she spotted your quality writing somewhere online or in print


5. you need more sophisticated critique partners


6. you understand why your work had been rejected