Writer Asks: Should I re-submit my manuscript?

I recently submit my manuscript to you but have since edited it. Is it okay to send the updated version for consideration instead?

I would want to know why there have been changes in such a short amount of time. Are they small changes (like a spelling variant)?  If so, they are unlikely to sway the reader one way or another—no need to re-send the manuscript. If changes are major, I’ll begin to think the manuscript wasn’t ready when you queried the agency. Does that mean it’s also not ready for the agency to sell?

I am of the opinion that a novelist should not seek representation until the book is done.  By done I mean thoroughly edited, completely polished, and in the best shape you think you can make it. Of course you might get feedback from agents and editors that will make you want to revise and that’s great. But don’t start the submission process until you are confident you are submitting your best work. After all you wouldn’t want the agent or editor to pass on the manuscript based on something you were planning to fix anyway.

So, to answer the question, I’d say no. You have no idea how far into the agency’s process your manuscript is, or what they currently think of it—they might give you feedback that will help you revise. Bide your time, make all the revisions you need to make, then (if the agency policy allows it) re-submit the new manuscript.