Related Links
- About SAS Press
- Podcasts and Webinars
- Bookstore
- Speaker's Bureau
- Author Assistance Program
- Companion Sites
Stay Informed
Keep in Touch
- SAS Press
- 1-800-727-3228 (U.S. only)
SAS Press» Authorline
Interview with Author Ann Lehman
Authorline catches up with Ann Lehman as she awaits the publication of her new book - JMP for Basic Univariate and Multivariate Statistics: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Authorline (AL): What was your motivation for writing your book?
- Ann Lehman (ANN): This book is an adaptation of a book written for SAS users by Norm O'Rourke, Larry Hatcher, and
Edward J. Stepanski called A Step-by-Step Approach to using SAS for Univariate and Multivariate Statistics. All of the statistical
concepts and procedures in the SAS book were readily available in JMP. So it seemed logical to extend the presentation to a step-by-step
approach to using JMP.
- (AL): Who are you targeting with your book?
- (ANN): The original book was targeted to researchers in the social sciences. We attempted to preserve this focus, but broaden
the target to include scientists and statisticians in all areas.
- (AL): What features of the book are you especially pleased with?
- (ANN): I like the usefulness of the presentation style. For example, each chapter presents data and case studies carefully
laid out in a step-by-step fashion, complete with initial assumptions, conclusions, and a formal write-up suitable for publication.
- (AL): How will your book benefit JMP users?
- (ANN): This book will help JMP users at all levels of statistical expertise. Basic concepts are explained in detail and advanced
procedures are shown for more experienced statisticians. In addition, there are chapters that show how to get started using JMP software.
- (AL): What were some of the joys of writing this book?
- (ANN): Writing this book was indeed a pleasure. Having an excellent initial framework made for a smooth conversion to JMP. And,
being able to present the impressive graphic abilities in JMP to illustrate statistics greatly helps the users' understanding of statistical
principles.
- (AL): How did you develop as a writer while you were creating this book?
- (ANN): I think every writer learns with each writing project. In this book, I found new ways to present statistics. More
advanced topics became clearer to me as I showed how JMP could be used to perform analyses. Hopefully my own learning will transfer to the reader.
- (AL): What did you learn while writing this book that would be important for other authors to know?
- (ANN): Writing about statistics and computer analysis is always a challenge. I think the secret is to cover procedures
slowly and carefully, and include details to help the novice statistician and the new computer user.
- (AL): How did you decide to publish with SAS?
- (ANN): I have worked at SAS for many years, and published books here before. Writing for BBU Press was a good way to prepare
materials that will help promote the use of JMP software.
- (AL): Are you glad you decided to publish with SAS? If so, what has made the experience a good one?
- (ANN): The editing and production support provided by the BBU staff was the most helpful and accommodating help I have ever
had. This support relieved me of much of the tediousness that invariably comes with writing technical material.
- (AL): Your book will be going to the printer in just a few weeks. How does it feel to be in the home stretch of such a long project?
- (ANN): Writing a book is a long and often laborious procedure. Seeing the completed product is rewarding and there is a great sense
of relief.
- (AL): What advice would you give to potential authors?
- (ANN): Begin with a carefully constructed plan and detailed outline (the more detail, the better). Authors should also be prepared
for the fact that writing a book always takes longer than you think it will.
- (AL): When you aren't writing or consulting, how do you like to spend your free time?
- (ANN): I swim several miles a week, wood carving is a passionate hobby, and I am an avid reader.
 Ann Lehman |
Ann Lehman, Ph.D., joined SAS Institute in 1979 and is a senior statistical writer, working with JMP since its inception in 1988. A coauthor of the series of JMP User manuals and JMP Start Statistics books, Ann's diverse background also includes editing and coauthoring SAS User Guides, writing and teaching SAS classes and serving as technical editor of the JMPer Cable, JMP's technical newsletter. |