Research Like A Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide

Research Like A Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide, by Diana Elder, AG and Nicole Dyer is a fantastic book to add to your summer reading list and here’s why!

I have just finished reading Research Like A Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide and am happy to help promote this book. It was easy to follow and had lots of work samples, which I personally enjoyed and felt were helpful to see.

The print edition of this Amazon bestseller Research Like A Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide is available for purchase and has been since May. Authors Diana Elder, AG and Nicole Dyer are the creators of FamilyLocket.com where they write educational articles about discovering ancestors and offer professional genealogy services. Research Like A Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide is for genealogists who are just starting out as well as researchers who want to develop a disciplined research methodology. The book gives readers a step-by-step method for applying the genealogy research process to their research questions and then writing about it.

I consider myself a seasoned researcher, but I am sometimes less disciplined than I should be. Everyone, even the most educated of ourselves need reminders in the basics of sound research strategies. Diana and Nicole provided that structure in this self-paced instructional manual.

My Favorite Two Chapters of Research Like A Pro: A Genealogist’s Guide

Chapters 4 and 6 were particularly good. I absolutely love the word “research,” but not everyone does. In chapter 4, Diana breaks down the research process into 5 steps and goes in-depth explaining each one in a way that is understandable. I believe many could be inspired to give “research” a try after reading through her thoughtful instructions.

Chapter 6 is about research logs. (To read my own experience using research logs, click here.) Research logs are crucial for getting work done and not falling down a rabbit hole! Not only does Diana walk you through the why’s and how’s for research logs, but she graciously shares her research log template in the appendix of the book.

In fact, she shares several templates in her book. The list includes:

• Research Project Template
• Timeline Analysis Template
• Locality Guide Template
• Research Log Template
• Source Citation Template

But Wait! There’s More!

With the purchase of the book, either the electronic or print version, customers are eligible to join the secret Research Like A Pro Facebook group. The next Research Like A Pro study group begins in September, with eight interactive webinar presentations, assignments, and feedback on each assignment. The Research Like A Pro e-course will be released this summer, for those who want to view all the webinars and work through the assignments at their own pace.

To take advantage of the Research Like A Pro Facebook group, simply email a copy of your receipt of purchase to Nicole@familylocket.com and Nicole will send you an invitation to the group.

The Genealogy Reporter is receiving no commission for recommending this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!