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The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook
Is your family history a "mess" of unsourced names and shaky leaves?
Do you look at your family tree and feel overwhelmed by years of disorganized genealogy research, missing citations, and "bright shiny objects" that led you down endless rabbit holes ? Whether you are a genealogy beginner or a seasoned veteran, it is time to stop the frustration and finally build a solid foundation for your ancestry research.
Take Control of Your Family History Research
In the updated (2026) edition of The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook, renowned educator Thomas MacEntee guides you through a success-driven, 12-step program designed to transform your genealogy methods. This isn’t just about finding names; it’s about mastering the genealogy strategy and genealogy documentation skills needed to prove every fact in your tree .
The 12-Step Success Roadmap
This workbook provides a structured path to excellence, covering essential genealogy tips and professional Step 1-3: Setting aside old habits, establishing Golden Rules, and conducting powerful self and family interviews.
Step 4-6: Mastering the genealogy research log, creating professional genealogy sources and citations, and evaluating evidence like a pro.
Step 7-9: Choosing the right genealogy software, digitizing records, and utilizing cluster and collateral research to break through brick walls.
Step 10-12: Incorporating DNA testing, organizing digital files with the 3-2-1 backup rule, and securing your legacy for future generations.
New for 2026: AI Assist Sections
Stay ahead of the curve with brand-new AI Assist features integrated into every step. Learn how to use today’s Artificial Intelligence tools as a "research buddy" to help you transcribe difficult handwriting, summarize complex records, and brainstorm new search angles—all while maintaining the highest standards of genealogical integrity .
"Do-Over" or "Go-Over"? You Choose!
Not ready to throw away 20 years of work? This workbook offers a unique "Go-Over" path specifically for researchers who want to keep their existing data but perform a thorough, professional review to verify facts and add proper citations . You’ll find specialized To-Do lists for both paths at the end of every chapter .
Why Trust Thomas MacEntee?
With nearly 50 years of experience in family history and over 1,000 lectures delivered worldwide, Thomas MacEntee is a master at bridging the gap between complex technology and historical research . He has helped thousands of researchers move from "name collecting" to professional-level analysis.Stop repeating the same research mistakes and start building a family history that will stand the test of time. Click "Buy Now" to start your Genealogy Do-Over today and rediscover the joy of discovery!
Do you look at your family tree and feel overwhelmed by years of disorganized genealogy research, missing citations, and "bright shiny objects" that led you down endless rabbit holes ? Whether you are a genealogy beginner or a seasoned veteran, it is time to stop the frustration and finally build a solid foundation for your ancestry research.
Take Control of Your Family History Research
In the updated (2026) edition of The Genealogy Do-Over Workbook, renowned educator Thomas MacEntee guides you through a success-driven, 12-step program designed to transform your genealogy methods. This isn’t just about finding names; it’s about mastering the genealogy strategy and genealogy documentation skills needed to prove every fact in your tree .
The 12-Step Success Roadmap
This workbook provides a structured path to excellence, covering essential genealogy tips and professional Step 1-3: Setting aside old habits, establishing Golden Rules, and conducting powerful self and family interviews.
Step 4-6: Mastering the genealogy research log, creating professional genealogy sources and citations, and evaluating evidence like a pro.
Step 7-9: Choosing the right genealogy software, digitizing records, and utilizing cluster and collateral research to break through brick walls.
Step 10-12: Incorporating DNA testing, organizing digital files with the 3-2-1 backup rule, and securing your legacy for future generations.
New for 2026: AI Assist Sections
Stay ahead of the curve with brand-new AI Assist features integrated into every step. Learn how to use today’s Artificial Intelligence tools as a "research buddy" to help you transcribe difficult handwriting, summarize complex records, and brainstorm new search angles—all while maintaining the highest standards of genealogical integrity .
"Do-Over" or "Go-Over"? You Choose!
Not ready to throw away 20 years of work? This workbook offers a unique "Go-Over" path specifically for researchers who want to keep their existing data but perform a thorough, professional review to verify facts and add proper citations . You’ll find specialized To-Do lists for both paths at the end of every chapter .
Why Trust Thomas MacEntee?
With nearly 50 years of experience in family history and over 1,000 lectures delivered worldwide, Thomas MacEntee is a master at bridging the gap between complex technology and historical research . He has helped thousands of researchers move from "name collecting" to professional-level analysis.Stop repeating the same research mistakes and start building a family history that will stand the test of time. Click "Buy Now" to start your Genealogy Do-Over today and rediscover the joy of discovery!
- GenresReferenceNonfiction
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2026
387 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Thomas MacEntee
55 books65 followersWhat happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional based in the United States who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. He also created an online community of over 3,000 family history bloggers known as GeneaBloggers. His most recent endeavor, Hack Genealogy, is an attempt to “re-purpose today’s technology for tomorrow’s genealogy.”
Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other find success.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. He also created an online community of over 3,000 family history bloggers known as GeneaBloggers. His most recent endeavor, Hack Genealogy, is an attempt to “re-purpose today’s technology for tomorrow’s genealogy.”
Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other find success.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 18, 2026
Thomas MacEntee started a group on Facebook, along with posts from Geneabloggers and emails from his Genealogy Do-Over program. Basically, it is setting all of your research aside and start from square one (yourself) and recreating your tree, but this time doing it right, including scans of documents, proper sources and following the genealogical proof standard.
What was supposed to be a one time, 13 week process, was repeated four times during 2015. The interest hasn't waned and he created a one year Do-Over program.
I started the Do-Over last year.....four times. Life happens. I've got a good handle on setting my research aside. I'm beginning again - but this time at the second stage and proceeding according to plan. The book is an excellent guide to accomplish organization, sourcing, and proving who your ancestors truly are. An inexpensive investment in getting it done right!
What was supposed to be a one time, 13 week process, was repeated four times during 2015. The interest hasn't waned and he created a one year Do-Over program.
I started the Do-Over last year.....four times. Life happens. I've got a good handle on setting my research aside. I'm beginning again - but this time at the second stage and proceeding according to plan. The book is an excellent guide to accomplish organization, sourcing, and proving who your ancestors truly are. An inexpensive investment in getting it done right!
April 3, 2019
Finally a roadmap from What Do I Do First to Research Success
After reading a number of in-depth books on how to organize, preserve records, and research vs search, this book’s 12 steps clarify where do I begin and walks through the various doors that we must open in order to accomplish good research results without getting lost in paperwork hell. This gives a good starting point for people who are eager to start their own fascinating journey through history.
After reading a number of in-depth books on how to organize, preserve records, and research vs search, this book’s 12 steps clarify where do I begin and walks through the various doors that we must open in order to accomplish good research results without getting lost in paperwork hell. This gives a good starting point for people who are eager to start their own fascinating journey through history.
July 12, 2020
This book offers a clear guideline to starting a do-over of your genealogy. It is jam-packed with ideas and links to forms and websites to help you get through it.
I read it because I will possibly be leading a series of workshops on this, which is sorely needed by the membership of our genealogical society.
Well done and highly recommended!
I read it because I will possibly be leading a series of workshops on this, which is sorely needed by the membership of our genealogical society.
Well done and highly recommended!
January 25, 2021
A quick read. Good basic tips on how to organize genealogy research. Some of the weblinks are dated.
January 3, 2016
Great everyday read
I had participated in the initial genealogy do-over and so was pleasantly surprised when this workbook came out.
My best advice to anyone embarking on the do-over is to read the entire book and then go back and work month-by-month. This allows you to see what is in store and will ease the anxiety of what the do-over entailed.
As I prepare to open my genealogical business, this challenge has helped me to hone my research skills and insure my clientele that my research methodology is top-notch. I recommend that anyone starting a company or dream of their own genealogy business read and participate in the do-over. You'll truly be glad you did.
I had participated in the initial genealogy do-over and so was pleasantly surprised when this workbook came out.
My best advice to anyone embarking on the do-over is to read the entire book and then go back and work month-by-month. This allows you to see what is in store and will ease the anxiety of what the do-over entailed.
As I prepare to open my genealogical business, this challenge has helped me to hone my research skills and insure my clientele that my research methodology is top-notch. I recommend that anyone starting a company or dream of their own genealogy business read and participate in the do-over. You'll truly be glad you did.
April 29, 2018
I think this is a great book and is definitely a program I intend to follow at sometime in the future - just trying to find time at the moment. I only gave it four stars though as the majority of links are out of date and given I only bought the book a couple of weeks ago and some of them are a couple of years out of date I'm a bit disappointed. I found the Facebook group and they've shown me where to go but be prepared that they are out of date.
September 27, 2016
Lots of good tips
This is a good book even if you are just starting on your genealogical journey. It provides guidelines for documenting and preserving your research. I tried scanning pictures by trial and error different ways and this book includes a clear guideline. For those of us who just jump in then have to go back and organize this is very helpful.
This is a good book even if you are just starting on your genealogical journey. It provides guidelines for documenting and preserving your research. I tried scanning pictures by trial and error different ways and this book includes a clear guideline. For those of us who just jump in then have to go back and organize this is very helpful.
March 5, 2017
very helpful!
I purchased this book in an effort to reboot my research - I had realized tackling my brick wall was hampered by messy files and missing documentation. Back to square one, but this time with a plan that is well-informed by Mr. MacEntee's excellent suggestions. Thank you!
I purchased this book in an effort to reboot my research - I had realized tackling my brick wall was hampered by messy files and missing documentation. Back to square one, but this time with a plan that is well-informed by Mr. MacEntee's excellent suggestions. Thank you!
July 2, 2018
Do-Over - Just Do It
I am glad that I purchased this workbook. My Family History research has needed a reset for some time, and I found the tools to do my “Do-Over” here. Summertime second chance for my Genealogy/DNA/Family tree. Now I need to just DO IT!
I am glad that I purchased this workbook. My Family History research has needed a reset for some time, and I found the tools to do my “Do-Over” here. Summertime second chance for my Genealogy/DNA/Family tree. Now I need to just DO IT!
May 6, 2019
An interesting and very useful read
I admit to being one of those name collectors, knowing full well sometimes a link was tenuous at best.
This well written and informative book gives me exactly what I need to redo the work properly and do justice to my heritage.
I admit to being one of those name collectors, knowing full well sometimes a link was tenuous at best.
This well written and informative book gives me exactly what I need to redo the work properly and do justice to my heritage.
Read
August 13, 2021This is a fantastic resource for those new to genealogy and for "oldtimers". It helps you make sure that you have dotted your i's and crossed your t's.
Thank you, Thomas, for writing this and providing additional resources.
Thank you, Thomas, for writing this and providing additional resources.
December 14, 2019
This book is the answer I’ve been looking for
My genealogy database has been a mess. I’ve thought I should start over, and then I saw this book. It’s a quick read. I’m going to use it as my go to as I start my do-over.
My genealogy database has been a mess. I’ve thought I should start over, and then I saw this book. It’s a quick read. I’m going to use it as my go to as I start my do-over.
June 19, 2025
The updated 2025 edition of the Genealogy Do-Over Workbook first came to my attention when it was recommended by a certified genealogist on a Legacy webinar. I have been doing research for decades and I use genealogy software as well as maintaining hardcopies of documents but something was missing… the sources! Without citations, as I have learned, your work can not be proven. So about a year ago I made the decision to start over, from scratch. Until I read this 104 page book, I felt like I was the only one who had ever done so!
There are a lot of great books out there on the genealogy proof standards (GPS) but this one bridges the gap between learning the GPS and applying it to RESTARTING your existing research. It seems to me that it is more of a roadmap than a “how to” manual or even a traditional “workbook”, which often ask questions and has spaces for you to answer. Instead it is a very well written guidebook for those with an existing tree that needs to be significantly modified or completely restarted. It offers clear guidance, often with reference links, that will help you achieve this. It gives options and suggestions of how to decide what will work best for you. It really bridged that gap for me.
There are a lot of great books out there on the genealogy proof standards (GPS) but this one bridges the gap between learning the GPS and applying it to RESTARTING your existing research. It seems to me that it is more of a roadmap than a “how to” manual or even a traditional “workbook”, which often ask questions and has spaces for you to answer. Instead it is a very well written guidebook for those with an existing tree that needs to be significantly modified or completely restarted. It offers clear guidance, often with reference links, that will help you achieve this. It gives options and suggestions of how to decide what will work best for you. It really bridged that gap for me.
September 9, 2022
Feeling stuck with your genealogical research and family history? Want to just start it all over again but have no idea where to start? Or do you want to just verify your existing research with your experienced skills in family history research?
Thomas MacEntee's Genealogy Do-Over Workbook is an amazing companion for doing a Genealogy Do-Over. I've been researching my family history since I was about 12, and as a result, there are many branches and research notes that haven't been jotted down or filed correctly.
I love the fact that Thomas' book is a guide and not a DO THIS! You can take his suggestions and turn them into steps that work for you. I advise you read the book first and then work through the steps one by one. Sometimes, you'll be crossing over some steps together at once, but it is brilliant and well worth a read. You can view his guide for free on his website and Gretchen's Organizing Guide group on Facebook is a great tool to use while you're reading this.
I'm still going through my Genealogy do over but this is one book that's worth the read.
Thomas MacEntee's Genealogy Do-Over Workbook is an amazing companion for doing a Genealogy Do-Over. I've been researching my family history since I was about 12, and as a result, there are many branches and research notes that haven't been jotted down or filed correctly.
I love the fact that Thomas' book is a guide and not a DO THIS! You can take his suggestions and turn them into steps that work for you. I advise you read the book first and then work through the steps one by one. Sometimes, you'll be crossing over some steps together at once, but it is brilliant and well worth a read. You can view his guide for free on his website and Gretchen's Organizing Guide group on Facebook is a great tool to use while you're reading this.
I'm still going through my Genealogy do over but this is one book that's worth the read.
February 9, 2021
This is a short book by Thomas MacEntee, one of my favorite genealogy presenters. This is very good info. I'm attempting a Do-Over/Go-Over of my own and it's been fun but more difficult than I anticipated. I have a pdf version that's been updated but it was nice to read a real book. I wish this was longer instead of so very short and sweet.
January 25, 2026
Do-over Do-over!
Absolutely a winner! I have used the steps in this workbook to get organized, had to stop for a period of time, and returned to this book to get myself back on track. Thomas is easy to follow, in this book and his webinars. Recommend to anyone, any level of research.
Absolutely a winner! I have used the steps in this workbook to get organized, had to stop for a period of time, and returned to this book to get myself back on track. Thomas is easy to follow, in this book and his webinars. Recommend to anyone, any level of research.
July 24, 2017
Get this book if you need a plan and great sources to re-do your genealogy. Have you been collecting ancestors and pasting them Willy-nilly into your tree, then this book is for you.
December 11, 2017
All the "information" in this ebook is available online. It's essentially a $3 collection of blog posts. Don't waste your money.
January 4, 2018
Good information.
Now know that I need to do a Do-Over. Know the rules but was nolonger I need to go back and document my sources.
Now know that I need to do a Do-Over. Know the rules but was nolonger I need to go back and document my sources.
January 15, 2018
Excellent resource for anyone either just starting their genealogy journey, or as the title implies launching a DO OVER!
March 6, 2017
Excellent resource book - this one is good enough to stay in my private library!
January 2, 2016
Awesome aid to ALL Genealogists
Incredibly good. If you are serious about your genealogy, this is one of the best books I now own. Recommend. Recommend. Recommend!
Incredibly good. If you are serious about your genealogy, this is one of the best books I now own. Recommend. Recommend. Recommend!
February 27, 2020
A work in progress
Read
April 11, 2020I did not finish this book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews