How to write an email to a manager regarding updates

You should only mention previous updates when they bear relevance to current updates. You can also ask a more experienced coworker for exact specifications on the contents of an update email to your manager. They can help with the nuances of what to include and exclude in this type of email.

Keep the email short and simple. When emailing your manager you should aim to be professional and concise with informing them about relevant updates.

Don't include too much or any "small talk". This email should just cover relevant updates to your role and any other information your manager has requested. You can also try to organize your email by breaking down the updates in order of relevance or priority and keeping each paragraph to one topic only.

Involve other coworkers that are participating in the work. You should get specific about who is handling what if other coworkers are involved in your work.

You can also organize the email in this way, where you break down, by paragraph, each role of your coworkers on a project or objective and describe how they each are progressing. You may also want to CC your coworkers on this email.

Attach any relevant or required documents. If there is additional documentation to also inform your manager about these updates, be sure to attach the files to the email and mention within the body of the email that you have done so. Make sure that any documents you attach are essential.

Ask your manager for feedback. It is always important to ask your manager for feedback at the end of this email.

This should be done not only because it is professional and polite, but also because any feedback given will help you to better perform your job.