Stephenie Joyner

Authorline (AL): What new features are included in this fourth edition of The Little SAS Book: A Primer?

Stephenie Joyner (SJ): The Little SAS Book: A Primer, Fourth Edition documents SAS 9.2, and includes information on features that have been added or enhanced since SAS 9.1. ODS Graphics is a major new feature in SAS 9.2, and the authors added 11 new sections on ODS Graphics to this edition. They also added new topics on the WHERE= data set option, computed variables in PROC REPORT, grouping procedures with user-defined formats, and 16 new functions.

(AL): How has the The Little SAS Book evolved over the years?

(SJ): In the first edition of The Little SAS Book, the authors developed a presentation format (two pages per topic) that focused on the essentials and enables users to be productive very quickly. Each new edition provides the latest SAS information using that same presentation format, which has proven to be successful with new and returning SAS customers. When SAS developed SAS Enterprise Guide 3.0, Lora and Susan were eager to update the content of their book and adapt it to the new interface and features. They added a series of carefully designed tutorials that not only helped new SAS users get up and running quickly with SAS Enterprise Guide, but also helped SAS users who have a programming background make the transition to the new interface with ease. The authors also kept the two-page reference sections that are the heart of The Little SAS Book presentation format, so SAS Enterprise Guide users really have the best of both worlds.

(AL): What have you most enjoyed about working with Susan Slaughter and Lora Delwiche?

(SJ): I have been so fortunate to work with Lora and Susan for six years, starting with The Little SAS Book, Revised Second Edition, and continuing with each subsequent edition. They approach each new edition with enthusiasm for the writing and publishing process and a dedication to producing a quality book. I look forward to working with them on their next edition.

(AL): Mary Beth, can you describe your role in working with the authors, as well.

Mary Beth Steinbach (MBS): When I came to SAS six years ago as a technical editor, I was assigned to edit the revised second edition of The Little SAS Book. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working on each subsequent "Lora and Susan book" in one capacity or another. In my current role as managing editor on the SAS Press team, my job is to make sure that this book and all SAS Press books are scheduled and produced as quickly and efficiently as possible. This role brings me into contact with an entire team of people, including the authors, who work together to produce and market the best book possible.

I am very fond of this series of books for many reasons, not the least of which is that these two authors exemplify what SAS Press authors are about. Lora and Susan are true professionals who inspire me to care for their books as much as they do.