DNA Testing Update

Jun 16, Father's Day Article on DNA Success Story

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:42:17 -0400

Since today is Father's Day, the Grand Rapids Press ran a front-page article about me, my book, and my two fathers. The article is also online.

May 24, "Finding Family" Book Earns Publishing Award

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:58:50 -0400

My "Finding Family" book has been named a Finalist in the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The awards "recognize and honor the most exceptional independently published books in 60 different categories." My category is Memoirs (Other). For me, the best part about this is that book experts who have nothing to do with adoption or genealogy liked the book. Similarly, it also got a great review in Kirkus Reviews. "Finding Family" now has 60 reader reviews on Amazon.com with 56 of them rating the book 5 stars.

May 10, How DNA Testing is Changing the World of Adoption Search

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:07:55 -0400

"How DNA Testing is Changing the World of Adoption Search." That's the title of my 3-page article that appears in the May issue of Adoption Today. I believe it's the most comprehensive article to date on this subject. Click the link below to reach the article online.

Apr 30, Radio Interview with Dr. Melanie Barton

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:24:22 -0400

Dr. Melanie Barton recently interviewed Richard Hill about his book,"Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA." Unlike most interviewers, Dr. Melanie actually read the book before the interview. That lead to some very specific questions and some interesting discussions. Click the following link to listen.

Apr 20, DNA Day Sale at Family Tree DNA

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 01:11:59 -0400

Family Tree DNA is having a good sale right now, including Family Finder. It's only for a few days, so check it out now at the link below.

Feb 21, A Y-DNA Test for Only $39

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:48:09 -0500

Family Tree DNA has temporarily reduced the price of its 12-marker Y-DNA test from $99 to only $39. If you are male or have a man in your family, this is a great time to begin your exploration of genetic genealogy. This test will reveal the basic haplogroup of your paternal line. You can learn the migration path of your ancient ancestors. Most likely, you will discover that you match a number of other men in the company's huge Y-DNA database. Determining how close your common ancestors lived will probably require an upgrade to more markers. But even if you end up buying an upgrade, you will still save money overall. Family Tree DNA will hold your DNA sample for 25 years. So at any time in the future you can order any of their tests without providing another sample. If you have an older male relative, I would jump on this now just to preserve his DNA while he is still around. Also, if you're in any kind of family research project, you might want to buy some extra kits now. Just register them as TBD (for To Be Determined). Test kits do not expire and you can submit the samples whenever you get appropriate test subjects.

Feb 14, First Mother Forum Reviews Finding Family Book

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:21:20 -0500

Richard Hill's book, Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA, is reviewed in First Mother Forum

Feb 14, Musings of the Lame Reviews Finding Family Book

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:01:19 -0500

Claudia Corrgan D'Arcy interviews Richard Hill for her blog, Musings of the Lame

Feb 11, Adoption Community Discovers "Finding Family"

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:34:15 -0500

In the last three weeks reviews of my book have appeared in four different blogs or publications in the adoption community. The first with a book review of "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA" and an interview with me was the Lost Daughters Blog. The next review appeared in the February issue of Adoption Today magazine. That was followed by a review/interview in Musings of the Lame. Now the [Birth Mother,] First Mother Forum has added yet another review that you can reach through the following link:

Feb 11, Virtual Tour: FTDNA's DNA Testing Lab

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:19:01 -0500

Family Tree DNA is the only genetic genealogy company that does its own testing. They also do the testing for National Geographic's Geno 2.0 tests and now offer exome and whole genome sequencing. Last fall I toured that lab. Using photos and notes from Tim Janzen and some subsequent explanations from FTDNA's Thomas Krahn, CeCe Moore has compiled an illustrated summary of what we learned that day. FYI, I am the tallest guy in the third photo.

Feb 7, Adoption Today Magazine Reviews Book: Finding Family

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 10:33:32 -0500

"Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA" praised by Adoption Today.

Jan 29, Global eBook Award and Discount Coupon

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:48:38 -0500

The eBook edition of my book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA," has been nominated for a Global eBook Award. To celebrate, I have created a coupon that takes $5.00 off the eBook price. Go to Smashwords and enter code GT97C at checkout. Versions for all eReaders, tablets, and computers are available. Expires 2/22/13.

Jan 24, Finding Family Reviews

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:02:25 -0500

This Finding Family Reviews page will lead you to many reviews of Richard Hill's new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA."

Jan 23, The DNA Paternity Test Guide: How to Prove Fatherhood with DNA

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:52:39 -0500

Learn the best ways to identify a child’s biological father—or confirm an adult’s true father—through a DNA paternity test.

Jan 22, DNA Testing Labs — An Independent Guide

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:29:07 -0500

How to choose the best DNA testing labs for paternity, genealogy, adoption search and other purposes.

Jan 8, New DNA Conference Announced

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 12:36:46 -0500

I will be speaking at the world's first independently produced DNA conference. “Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013,” will be held June 6, 2013 in Burbank, California. Jointly sponsored by The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) and the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS), this DNA conference will be held the day before the start of the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree. The main speaker will be Dr. Spencer Wells of the National Geographic Genographic Project. All of us will be covering state-of-the-art uses of DNA in the search for ancestors. Representatives from the major DNA testing labs, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, and AncestryDNA, will also be participating. Separate tracks will be targeted for beginners and advanced genetic genealogists. Follow this link for more information.

Jan 7, My Heritage Discount from Family Tree DNA

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 11:49:02 -0500

I just took advantage of an offer through Family Tree DNA that has been extended to January 14. Get 14 months of My Heritage for just $69.95. This includes their intriguing new Record Matching technology.

Jan 4, "Finding Family" Book Club Offer

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 12:11:58 -0500

A satisfied reader of my book recently ordered ten more copies of "Finding Family" for her mystery book club. While the book deals with adoption search and includes my use of DNA tests, it clearly fits the mystery genre. It also appeals to anyone who enjoys a good memoir. If you would like to order multiple copies of "Finding Family" for a book club, please contact me by email or through my Feedback Form. I can provide quantity discounts, signed copies, or even a complimentary phone call to take questions during your book club discussion.

Dec 20, How Personal Genomics Can Screen Your DNA for Genetic Disorders

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:56:04 -0500

Learn about personalized genetic testing, including your disease risk, carrier status, drug response, and which personal genomics companies to trust.

Dec 20, How an African DNA Test Can Measure or Confirm African Ancestry

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:32:45 -0500

Learn about the top six alternatives for an African DNA test. Get answers about African heritage or help with African American Genealogy.

Dec 20, Can an Indian DNA Test Find or Prove Native American Ancestry?

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:47:27 -0500

Learn the uses and limitations of Indian DNA test alternatives in Native American genealogy.

Dec 14, The Ancestry Composition Report on Ethnic Testing at 23andMe.com

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:04:26 -0500

An independent review of the Ancestry Composition report, the ethnic ancestry feature of the 23andMe DNA test.

Dec 13, How Population Finder Discovers Ethnic Ancestry from Your DNA

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:45:19 -0500

An independent review of Population Finder, the ethnic ancestry report in the Family Finder DNA test from Family Tree DNA.

Dec 11, 23andMe Drops Price to $99

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:48:45 -0500

You can now get the DNA test from 23andMe for only $99. That includes Relative Finder, health testing, and the new Ancestry Composition feature. This is not a sale but a new pricing structure to help them reach one million users. There is no ongoing subscription fee. Pay once and you're done.

Dec 6, The Ten Dollar Deal for eBook Readers

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 16:12:12 -0500

In my prior post I suggested the print version of my book, "Finding Family," as a holiday gift. But I know some of you--and some of the people you might buy gifts for--prefer eBooks. So I'm offering the same discount through the end of the year on all eBook editions of my book. Click the following link to Smashwords and then enter this code: EE64L. You can download the book for any eBook reader or computer, even a PDF file.

Dec 6, Give "Finding Family" Book for Ten Dollars

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 16:05:34 -0500

I know many people who receive this blog have already read my book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA." Some of you have also contributed to the more than thirty great reviews on Amazon. I thank you for that. Now I'd like to suggest the book as an inexpensive holiday gift. It is not just for adoptees and genealogists. The suspense and emotional impact make it a good read for anyone that enjoys mysteries or memoirs. The list price of the book is $15.00, but I am offering copies at $10.00 each through the end of this year. For printed copies click the following link to my publisher, CreateSpace. Then enter this discount code: NGV2TXYW.

Dec 3, DNA Education the Easy Way--On YouTube

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 12:17:58 -0500

Judy G. Russell has posted an article on her bog, The Legal Genealogist, listing various YouTube videos about DNA testing. Included are some by Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, and Ancestry.com. Take a look.

Nov 13, Holiday Sale at Family Tree DNA

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:12:13 -0500

Family Tree DNA has announced a holiday sale that's in effect from now through 12/31/12. Males can order my recommended 37-marker Y-DNA test for only $119 ($50 off). Everyone can order my recommended Family Finder test for only $199 ($90 off). Other popular tests and combination packages are also on sale. Click the following link and then select Products from the top of the page to see the entire list of sale prices.

Nov 6, Good Blogs About Genetic Genealogy

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 10:31:54 -0500

Terry Barton from WorldFamilies.net has pulled together a list of the top blogs on genetic genealogy. My DNA-Testing-Adviser.com web site is on the list.

Oct 31, Press Release on "Finding Family" Book

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:52:35 -0400

This morning I issued a press release on my new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA." You can read the release on PRWeb through the following link. If you have any contacts in local or national media, please send them an email about my book and include this link. I am available for interviews.

Oct 30, Mobile App for 23andMe

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:51:59 -0400

23andMe now offers a free mobile app where you can see all your health testing data on your smartphone. No Relative Finder matches are included. I just got it from the Apple App Store for my iPhone. It's also offered on the Google Play Store. This is handy if you want to conveniently share your results with family or your doctor. You can also answer survey questions on the app, which is a way you could help with research during your idle moments.

Oct 30, The Adoption Search Guide: How DNA Can Find Your Biological Parents

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:46:52 -0400

Learn how DNA Testing has changed adoption search. Find your biological parents through genetic genealogy. Get tips from one who did it.

Oct 26, AncestryDNA Test Offered to Public

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 10:18:53 -0400

For months the new autosomal DNA test from Ancestry.com has been in Beta testing. In spite of certain problems and limitations this AncestryDNA test is now publicly available. The price without an Ancestry.com membership is $199. In an effort to recruit new subscribers, the company is offering two package deals where the DNA test comes with a 6-month membership. The package prices are $189 with access to U.S. records and $249 with access to worldwide records. For now the DNA test is only being offered to U.S. residents.

Oct 23, New Book Trailer for "Finding Family" Book

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:57:35 -0400

With permission from Family Tree DNA and the talents of Lennart Martinson at StudioINTV, I have adapted an FTDNA video into a trailer for my book. Many thanks to all of them! Click the following link to watch the trailer.

Oct 23, Two Announcements from Ancestry.com

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:26:33 -0400

Ancestry.com has finally given in to pressure and announced that it will allow customers of its AncestryDNA test to access their own data. It will not happen until 2013, however, and no details were provided. Hopefully, it will be provided in a form that is compatible with DNA test results from Family Tree DNA's Family Finder test and the 23andMe test. The other news is that Ancestry.com is being sold to European private-equity firm Permira. What that means for the company's long-term interest in DNA testing is unknown.

Oct 18, My Geno 2.0 DNA Test Kit

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:20:33 -0400

Today I sampled my DNA with a cheek swab and mailed it to the Genographic Project at the National Geographic Society. The DNA samples will be processed by Family Tree DNA and my Geno 2.0 results will ultimately be integrated with my account there. This Geno 2.0 test will provide the most advanced look yet at our ancient ancestors. It is NOT a genealogy tool. I will share my results when I receive them (many weeks from now) and you can then decide if you might want to take the test yourself. In the meantime, if you'd like to get a close look at the well designed test kit and booklet, check out the blog post by my friend CeCe Moore.

Oct 18, Who's the Real Daddy

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 09:55:46 -0400

Who's the Real Daddy, a guest article by Teoddy Baldomaro, explores some options for confirming fatherhood.

Oct 9, Half-Price Offer on "Finding Family" eBook

Tue, 9 Oct 2012 14:01:51 -0400

My new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA," has received rave reviews from genetic genealogists and others. Some of you have already purchased the book and I sincerely appreciate it. I want everyone who reads my blog to read the book and share it with other adoptees and genealogists. This book can generate a lot of interest in DNA testing and result in more and better matches for everyone. Therefore, I have created a half price coupon that can be used to purchase the book in any eBook format at Smashwords. Use the link below and enter the Coupon Code: ML26J before checkout. Note that the coupon expires on Sunday, October 21. If you don't have an eBook reader, you can get free Kindle apps for your smartphone or computer. Just search "Kindle reader." On Smashwords you then download the mobi format for Kindle. Feel free to share this code with others and post it on your blogs.

Oct 4, Finding Family—About the Book

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 13:21:44 -0400

Finding Family is Richard Hill’s true and intensely personal story of how he pieced together the long-kept secret of his own origins.

Oct 4, Finding Family Book: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 11:43:02 -0400

The Finding Family book tells the story of my decades-long search for biological family and my innovative use of genetic genealogy DNA tests to identify my birth father.

Sep 28, Flash Weekend Sale at Family Tree DNA

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 10:07:55 -0400

Family Tree DNA has begun a flash sale on two genetic genealogy tests. The popular Family Finder test, normally $289, is on sale for $199. I highly recommend this test for both genealogists and adoptees. The mtFullSequence test, the only test that checks 100% of your mitochondrial DNA, is also reduced from $299 to $199. If you already tested part of your mitochondrial DNA, this price is still less than the usual upgrade cost. Unlike lower level mtDNA tests, any matches you get will share a maternal line ancestor in a genealogical time frame. Both new and existing customers can take advantage of this sale pricing, which ends Sunday, September 30, at 11:59PM. Click the following link. Then, if you are an existing customer, log into your account and click the Order an Upgrade button.

Sep 26, Adoption Discussions Interview Part 2

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:47:06 -0400

This past Friday my second interview by Donna Montalbano, host of Adoption Discussions, became available online. The interview was in response to my new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA." This is a good discussion about the different DNA tests that are available today to help adoptees identify and confirm their birth families. The interview will only be available until Donna's next show airs on the afternoon of 9/28. Click the following link now to listen or download the program.

Sep 25, Blogger Roberta Estes Reviews "Finding Family"

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:10:55 -0400

At least five people who blog about genealogy subjects have reviewed my new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA." The latest--and most humorous--is by Roberta Estes. Roberta's blog is called DNAeXplained. She is one of the knowledgeable DNA experts that I am proud to know personally. Follow this link to read what she has to say about "Finding Family."

Sep 19, "Finding Family" Now at Smashwords

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 09:24:09 -0400

My new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA," is now available for all eBook platforms through Smashwords. This includes mobi for Kindle devices and apps, Epub for Apple iPad, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, and Adobe Digital Editions. You can even download other formats such as PDF for reading on a PC or RTF for most word processors. Click the link below to see the Smashwords page.

Sep 17, The Legal Genealogist Reviews "Finding Family"

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:04:01 -0400

Judy G. Russell, author of The Legal Genealogists blog, has posted a well-written review of my book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA." Her summary tells enough about the book to get people interested without being a spoiler. She then lists five logical reasons for reading the book plus one more: " And it’s just plain a darned good story."

Sep 16, Interviews on Adoption Discussions Radio

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 14:43:49 -0400

This week I was interviewed by Donna Montalbano, host of Adoption Discussions. The interview was in response to my new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA." The first part, which deals with my personal story, was aired Friday 9/14/12 and will be the featured link on the show's web page until 9/21. On that Friday afternoon the second part of the interview, which focuses more on DNA testing, will become the featured link for the following seven days. Listen or download from this page.

Sep 12, "Finding Family" Book Now on Kindle

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:18:00 -0400

My new book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA," is now available in eBook format for the Kindle Reader. It can be ordered from Amazon.com and various Amazon sites in Europe. Electronic versions for other eBook readers will be available shortly. The following link will take you to the Amazon.com page for the Kindle version.

Aug 31, A Bad Smell from DNA Testing at Ancestry.com

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:49:12 -0400

You may be have heard that Ancestry.com is offering an autosomal DNA test they call AncestryDNA. While similar in concept to Family Finder from Family Tree DNA and Relative Finder at 23andMe, this test is still in Beta testing. I am testing it myself, but I have done nothing to recommend it due to a number of reservations being discussed in the genetic genealogy community. Now blogger Roberta Estes has written an excellent and exhaustive blog that summarizes the disappointing history of Ancestry.com in genetic genealogy. The story begins with some of the ghosts of DNA testing including Sorenson, GeneTree, and Relative Genetics. The historical perspective is enlightening and explains why Ancestry's latest venture into DNA testing was met with suspicion. Finally, Roberta discusses some of the current problems with AncestryDNA, including lab errors, poor customer service, draconian consent forms, and the need for an ongoing subscription payment to communicate with your matches. Read the entire blog and you will see why the genetic genealogy community recommends sticking with Family Tree DNA and 23andMe for DNA testing.

Aug 28, New Video on Benefits of DNA Testing

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:25:03 -0400

Family Tree DNA has released a nearly 30-minute video on the benefits of DNA testing. My personal story is summarized in the 20-25 minute period as an example of a successful outcome for adoptees. Take time to watch it and then share the link with your friends who are genealogists or adoptees. The more people we can get to test, the more and closer matches we will all receive.

Aug 26, First Review of My New Book, "Finding Family"

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 14:05:12 -0400

Blaine Bettinger wrote about my new book in his blog, The Genetic Genealogist. He called the book a "fascinating new page-turner" and said he was " completely unable to put it down." Blaine is one of the people whose writings I followed--and continue to follow--to learn all I can about the science of genetic genealogy.

Aug 23, Super Sale for New Customers at FTDNA

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:16:59 -0400

Family Tree DNA has announced a brief sale specifically for new customers. You can get the Family Finder test plus either the 12-marker Y-DNA test or the basic mtDNA test. The price for either package is $249, which is a savings of $90. If you have been standing on the sidelines, now is an ideal time to jump into genetic genealogy. If you are already a Family Tree DNA customer, then think about the relatives and friends that you might want to get tested. Spread the word! NOTE: This sale will end on Saturday, August 25, at 11:59PM. That's Central time in Houston. Click the following link, then choose Products at the top of the page. Scroll down to "Combined Tests..."

Aug 22, "Finding Family" Now Available Through Amazon

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:37:47 -0400

My new book, Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA, can now be ordered through Amazon.com on its U.S. and European web sites. For convenience, I have shortened the links to two of them. Amazon.com http://amzn.to/PFpXzS Amazon UK http://amzn.to/ReUbea Just copy and paste them into your browser.

Aug 20, Richard Hill's Book Now Available to All

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:50:27 -0400

Richard Hill, the creator of DNA-Testing-Adviser.com, has announced the publication of his book: Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA This long-awaited book tells the entire story of his decades long search for his biological family and the critical breakthroughs resulting from various forms of DNA testing. The book will appeal to adoptees, genealogists, and anyone who loves a good mystery. Additional distribution channels will be announced as they open up. An electronic version is also planned for later. Readers are encouraged to use the Feedback Form on this web site to comment on the book.