Stop floundering with your DNA match list!
Learn to work with your DNA matches, step by step,
to identify your unknown ancestors
With our ultimate DNA manual, you'll learn the skills you need to find the people you're looking for
Identify unknown biological ancestors back to 2x (or even 3x) great grandparents
Fill in empty spots on your family tree--or verify your current paper trail
Figure out who your DNA matches are
Updated for 2025 to help you DO the DNA today!
DNA has the power to help us discover who we are and where we come from. But using DNA to explore these questions can be tricky, frustrating and even confusing.
Your DNA Guide—the Book takes you step-by-step through the various ways of using DNA to answer questions about your origins. And it’s all in plain English. The companion Workbook helps you easily record your DNA discoveries as you work through the Book. Together, they help you learn the essential process of harvesting clues from your DNA matches to identify your shared ancestry.
If you live outside the U.S. and want to purchase print copies of the Book or the Workbook, please click here to purchase
Newly updated in 2025
to reflect changes at DNA testing companies, including AncestryDNA Pro Tools, with the addition of a new chapter focused on using the game-changing tools at AncestryDNA and MyHeritage DNA to help you compare your DNA matches to each other.
Available in both print and digital versions
Powerful, step-by-step paths to help you identify a DNA match or search for biological parents, grandparents, great grandparents, 2x and even 3x great grandparents
Colorful charts and illustrations to show you what you’re learning
Learning guides to help you master new terminology, strategies, and tools as you need them
Strategies for identifying, tracking and understanding the roles of the matches you know and those you don’t
Worksheets and charts to keep you organized: Research goals, test logins, contact with matches, ancestral birthplaces, additional people who could test, checking genetics v. genealogy, genetic networks, WATO (What Are The Odds? tool) and more
Tips for making your family tree more DNA-friendly
Ideas for communicating with DNA matches more effectively
Strategies for using ancestral ethnicity results for genealogy
Must-use tips for building (and extending) quick and simple trees for your DNA matches–more simply, more quickly
Periodic check-ins to evaluate your progress and get new guidance
Encouragement and redirects when you get stuck
Diahan Southard, Founder and CEO
Diahan is a globally-renowned genetic genealogy educator who has helped thousands of people using DNA. She has poured 20 years of experience into creating this self-guiding resource that can help everyone- but still customizes each person's discovery path to meet their needs.
Drew Smith
The Genealogy Guys Podcast and Genealogy Connection Podcast
“It’s definitely not a ‘big overview of DNA testing’ book, but instead a ‘let’s get down and dirty and solve a brick wall problem’ book. And we definitely need a book like this.”
Mary Kircher Roddy
FGS Magazine
"[Diahan’s] friendly, familiar tone could convince anyone that they can figure out this whole “DNA thing,” and with Southard’s clear, step-by-step instructions, they can."
Cheri Hudson Passey
Carolina Girl Genealogy
"This book is unique. My first thought was this is just like the choose your own adventure books I used to read as a kid. It’s almost like having Diahan there to hold your hand while you work your way through your matches and find your family!”
"Diahan Southard and her team always publish thoughtful, organized and helpful DNA products. This workbook is no exception. The workbook helps you to organize your DNA information so it is at your fingertips. It guides you through steps to help you plan your DNA research. The book even asks you questions and gives explanations of your next best steps. There is also an icon for the "Your DNA Guide, The Book" that gives you page numbers to look up for more information. There are plenty of charts and diagrams to keep track of your progress and work. I would highly recommend this workbook for anyone who wants a good example of how to start your research with your DNA matches.
Pam Paxton
"Excellent book—so much information that is helping me determine who some of my matches are."
Nancy Hachey
“Easy to read, Love the book, as Diahan said you can look up whatever you're looking for and it gives good information and to the point. Easy to find page numbers on the side. I'm still learning and enjoying the book."
Leila
“Very useful guide to organize DNA research on my family tree."
Thomas Iliffe
