In letters to his publisher in 1820, he was already speaking of "Fertigstellung" (completion); but it is unclear whether Beethoven meant completed concepts, drafts or a fair copy that could be dispatched.
By 1820, Beethoven had begun discussing "Fertigstellung" (completion) in his letters to the publisher; nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether he was referring to completed concepts, preliminary drafts, or an advanced version ready for distribution.