Dear Loretta…
Take that invite and run with it! In your cover letter, explain that the owner saw the manuscript in a very different form years ago but didn’t feel it was for her. You’re not trying to pull a fast one on anybody, you’re being communicative. The owner will be fine with it. She’s been in the business long enough to appreciate how much a manuscript can change and that each agent has his/her own taste. Do one thing first, though: Check the agency’s submission guidelines to see if they specify that a “no” from one agent is a “no” from the agency. Even if they do, you’ve got an invitation, so send a note saying you’ve revised significantly and let the agent decide if she wants to read this manuscript that intrigued her. That’s being professional, not burning bridges.
Happy writing!
The Editor
That’s great advice. Good luck to Loretta! 🙂