First off, we need to establish whether you mean ready for an editor/beta readers, or ready for self-publication/submitting to agents.

They’re VERY different things.

Having published two books, sent a third off to beta readers (more on that soon), and studied Creative Writing, I’ve had to get good at knowing when my work is ready to share with people.

Sometimes it’s a case of the book is ready, but you’re not.

In that situation, you need two things: moral support and tough love.