Earlier this week, author Alice Hoffman issued an apology to Roberta Silman -- the reviewer she attacked via Twitter. And here it is:
I feel this whole situation has been completely blown out of proportion. Of course I was dismayed by Roberta Silman's review which gave away the plot of the novel, and in the heat of the moment I responded strongly and I wish I hadn't. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. Reviewers are entitled to their opinions and that's the name of the game in publishing. I hope my readers understand that I didn't mean to hurt anyone and I'm truly sorry if I did.
An apology, by its nature, should focus on what you (the doer) did wrong, and what steps you are taking to make the situation right -- the apology itself being the most important step. This involves coming clean about what you were thinking/feeling at the time and how you could have handled the situation better. Alice's apology first blames an omniscient presence for blowing the situation out of proportion and then goes on to mention what Roberta did wrong (giving away the book's plot).
She apologizes to her readers (because she wants to keep them) and forgets to apologize directly to Roberta. It's true, the situation was blown out of proportion -- by Alice. Had she not tweeted so drastically, this would not have been news.
If Alice had hired a letter writer-- like oh say, me -- then the apology would have gone something like this:
I am overwhelmed and embarrassed by my actions, and I have no one to blame for the situation except myself. I would like to extend a public and sincere apology to my readers and directly to Roberta Silman for my instant and inappropriate reaction to her review of my book The Story Sisters. I've been fortunate in my career not to have received many bad or even skewed reviews of my books. Regrettably, this hasn't done much in the way of thickening my skin and preparing me for the reality that not everyone is destined to be a fan. Roberta was the victim of my inexperience or -- perhaps more accurately -- my unwillingness to accept this simple truth.
It goes without saying that the review was a blow to my ego, and I got angry. I didn't hesitate to react. Instead of calling a friend and complaining or going for a long walk, I headed straight for Twitter -- hoping to garner some sympathy and support from my readers. This was unwise for several reasons. The two main reasons: 1. Twitter is a public forum that only feels private 
2. Writing fueled my anger. My frustration climaxed when I saw fit to publish Roberta's e-mail address and phone number. I did this because I wanted people to write and call her to make her feel as bad as the review made me feel. That was the most regrettable of my actions, and I am truly sorry. I am also sorry that I called her credentials into question without doing any research. Roberta stands atop a remarkable literary career, and she should be very proud of all that she has accomplished.Roberta, you are entitled to your own opinion as a reviewer and as a citizen. The better part of me knows this, and I apologize that the worse part of me got to my computer first. I have shut down my Twitter account in an attempt to remedy my actions. I hope that the shame I feel is a consolation to you. I wish you well in all future endeavors.
With sincerity and chagrin,

Alice
Follow Samara O'Shea on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SamaraOShea
@disgustedbyitall (clever moniker) - I've never read an Alice Hoffman book in my life. I hadn't heard of her until this incident. I simply thought her apology was lackluster and was inspired to write one on her behalf.
Samara
Not likely to read the book.
Wouldn't have hired you to write a communication for me, either.
The great thing about the Internet is instant communication. It's also the downside. The time-lag between writing and mailing a letter saved a lot of people embarrassment and chagrin.
hoffman should never have posted the phone number, but she had every right to publicly eviscerate a reviewer who acted with petty vindictiveness by revealing the book's plot. most writers put enormous effort into their work, and whatever you may think of the result, deliberately undermining that effort is patently juvenile.
my apology? "i regret allowing a childish act to bring out my own immaturity. i will never react to ms silman again and ask my readers to accept my humble apology."
the oscar-length acceptance speech you wrote is ridiculously overblown and a clear effort to vent at an author you dislike. you're not eloquent enough to hide your real actions.
Attempting to remedy actions via Twitter shutdown : Probably not a good idea. As a "very" novice writer myself, I can tell you that being able to put any old stupid thoughts down (whether it be a shameless plug or something else) is a great outlet. Perhaps she could mend ways by posting some significant reviews Roberta has done or plugging other media outlets, or perhaps her favorite charity. I don't think shooting yourself in the technological foot is going to make Roberta feel any better.