You say that this information is already readily available for free? You're right, much of it is. But if you write engagingly and well, and if you can save people hours of searching and sifting through useless information in order to find what will help them, then you can sell your ebook. Do research for them, include best links in your ebook, and you have something of great value to offer.

Let's take a look at a real life example: Matthew Lesko. For those who haven't heard of him, he has put together over 70 books on how individuals and businesses can find free US government money, grants and cash loans to finance nearly any venture you can imagine. His books sell like hotcakes, and I daresay he lives comfortably because of that.

Could people have found this information on their own? Absolutely. But are they willing to buy Mr. Lesko's books if it will save them hours and hours of trial and error research? You bet they will.

If idea of writing ebooks for fun and profit appeals to you, absolute best guide on Web for how to create, publish and sell your own ebook is "Make Your Knowledge Sell!" This ebook is so packed with information, you'll be biting at bit to start writing before you're even a quarter of way through it. Even visiting product's Web site alone will provide you with ideas. You can check out "MYKS!" here: http://myks.sitesell.com/writeangles.html

Another *excellent* resource on this topic is Neil Shearing's "Internet Success Blueprint." Written for Internet marketers, it is a superb step-by-step guide to developing and writing ebooks that we non-marketing type writers could definitely learn from. From selecting topics to choosing an electronic publishing format for your books--plus guiding you through ebook marketing process--this one's about as complete as you'll find online. Plus, it's a fun read. Read more about Neil's book here: http://scamfreezone.com .cgi/176198

If you love to write and want to make your living from it, I strongly believe that ebooks are a fantastic way to go.

Here's to your writing success!

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Mary Anne Hahn is editor and publisher of WriteSuccess, the free biweekly ezine of ideas, information and inspiration for people who want to pursue SUCCESSFUL full-time writing careers. To subscribe, mailto:writesuccess-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .

-Check math. In economics stories especially, it's easy to drop a zero and even easier to duplicate somebody else's mistakes.

-Double check for double meanings. For example, following site description recently turned up in an ad for casinograpevine.com: "The Casino News Portal for Women that Men Can't Resist!" So it's a portal for women who are irresistible to opposite sex or... ?

-Keep an eagle eye open for little oopsy-daisies we all make. Typing "you" instead of "your" is a common one. So is using "that" instead of "who". Example: "All people THAT proofread their stories carefully win Pulitzer Prizes." If you need a grammar booster shot, visit any of these sites:

http://www.webgrammar.com http://ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ http://www.grammarlady.com/faq.html http://englishplus.com/grammar/

-Find out what style manual/guidelines are used by publication you're writing for and be sure your piece agrees with them.

-Now do first item on this list again. I can't tell you how many times I've caught my own bloopers or found a better way to phrase something on 15th or 20th pass!

So that's how, in an emergency, you can do your own editing. Sure, working without an editor can have its upside. It means never having to say, "You corrupted my work, you creep!" But downside is that you will probably overlook mistakes that "village" would have caught.

Whenever possible, get a talented friend or a professional editor or even an English major to lend an eyeball. Believe me, they aren't nearly as in love with your words as you are!