Ashley, it's said that an apology costs us nothing. True, but not if it become habit and certainly not if it becomes a weapon used by someone else. I think it's good practice to use apologies only when necessary and not as a way to smooth over the situation.

Seems any apology lacking sincerity qualifies.

Jeez Wade, you've just echoes the thoughts of every single writer on the planet (except the lousy ones who can't be convinced they're lousy). That's exactly the feeling we fight off the entire career. I thought I'd done so until a year ago when I worked with a really strange editor. I found myself questioning my abilities. Stupid, but you do doubt yourself when someone keeps telling you you're making mistakes.

Joseph, I would think that is an essential sentence in the careers of all freelancers. I should embroider that and hang it over my desk. 🙂

Anne, it's funny how often we say "I'm sorry" as a preface. Drives me nuts to hear it and to catch myself doing it.

Jake, I thought the "nonpology" was the one that went "I'm sorry, but…" The "but" cancels everything. 🙂

Wade, practice practice practice knowing you're worth it.

And Joseph, I think it does count at least once a lifetime.