Diahan Southard has recently authored an original guide designed to assist genealogists in their DNA research. Recognized for her expertise in speaking, guiding and writing about DNA, Diahan’s materials have been distributed for years now through Family Roots Publishing. Her latest work provides an innovative, easy-to-follow approach to the DNA research process. The book, released in late February, is readily available from Family Roots Publishing for immediate shipment.
The book is available for purchase at $49.95, however FRPC is offering a 15% discount until Dec. 31.
Here’s some information from the webpage for the book:
“Your DNA Guide – the book – Step-by-Step plans to connect you with your family using your DNA” has been written by Diahan Southard in 2020. It is a full color, thoroughly illustrated guide consisting of 238 pages, published under the ISBN: 978-1-7346139-0-2; Item # DS01
“You don’t need an understanding of all aspects of genetic genealogy before asking specific questions of your DNA! ” This pioneering book, “Your DNA Guide”, brings this concept to life.
Results from DNA tests provided by companies such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe MyHeritage, among others, can offer more than just ethnic breakdowns. They can be crucial when it comes to discovering unknown relatives, from biological parents to 2x great grandparents.
“Your DNA Guide- the book” can guide on a journey of discovery, providing easy-to-understand explanations to help you find answers. It provides detailed plans for learning important DNA concepts in easy-to-understand language. Whether you’re looking for info about your 2x great grandmother (just turn to page 23), or you want to learn how you’re related to one of your DNA matches (page 37), the book offers clear guidance. There are checkpoints to measure your progress and new directions to aid your specific results at each stage. Even troubleshooting issues such as unresponsive matches or the complex relationships of your great grandparents are addressed.
As an expert with 20 years of experience in genetic genealogy, Diahan equips her readers with recommendations and guidance to solve their own DNA queries. Perfect for anyone who has taken a DNA test and is eager to learn more, “Your DNA Guide” can assist genealogists in reconstructing family trees, aid adoptees in identifying biological relatives, and help you identify a specific DNA match. In simple terms, the book assists in exploring what your DNA (and your DNA matches) can teach you about your ancestry.
Here is a quick rundown from the Table of Contents:
Intro
Things you need to know
An intellectual walk-through
Family Tree
Ancestral ethnicity results
Staying Organized
Tips
Working Your Plan
Mapping your journey
The basic process
Selecting your research goal
Searching for biological parents
Searching for grandparents
Searching for greats
Searching for 2X greats
Searching for 3X greats
Identifying a DNA match
Developing step-by-step memory points
Learning Guides
Centimorgans: what you need to know
Pieces of advice
Confirming genetics vs. genealogy
Exploring chromosome browsers
Understanding communication with your DNA partners
Spotting confirmation bias
Opening up close family relationships
Delving into your DNA matches’ family tree
Understanding endogamy
Extending your genetic network, parts I & II
Deciphering family groups
Locating living people
Recognizing the generation of connection
Discovering out-of-the-box connections
Building your own family tree
Understanding descendancy research
Generating a quick and simple family tree
Spotting groups of DNA matches
Getting unstuck
Recognizing half relationships
Labelling matches
Understanding match blocks
Basics of mtDNA
Unraveling pedigree collapse
Spotting removed cousins
Creating a research log
Segment size learning
Understanding shared centimorgan project
Recognizing shared matches tool
Playing detective: asking the wife
Using a bottom-up strategy
Classifying cousin categories
Disclosing the leftovers
Identifying targeted DNA testing
Documenting your story
Learning to act “Unless”
Understanding XDNA and YDNA in basic steps
Laying out the glossary
Praise for “Your DNA Guide – the book”
Drew Smith from The Genealogy Guys Podcast and Genealogy Connection Podcast has appreciated the book for its problem-solving nature, rather than being an overwhelming overview of DNA testing. Cheri Hudson Passey from Carolina Girl Genealogy praises the book’s uniqueness and its resemblance to the “choose your own adventure” style. Christine Ellin, an everyday genealogist, has mentioned the book’s potential to help discover DNA matches.
You can order “Your DNA Guide C the Book” at the link provided.
“Your DNA Guide C the book C Step-by-Step plans to connect you with your family using your DNA; by Diahan Southard; 2020; full color throughout; 69; 238 pp+iv; ISBN: 978-1-7346139-0-2; Item # DS01”