Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. It is a seeking that he who wishes may know the cosmic secrets of the world and they that dwell therein.
Zora Neale Hurston, Dust Tracks on a Road
Research can be magical, but it is also hard work. As Hurston readily admitted, the research process is typically grueling, overwhelming, and exhausting. At worst, false starts and setbacks during research can trigger the anxieties and self-doubts of even the most seasoned and accomplished scholars and writers. At best, research is profoundly time-consuming for amateurs and experts alike. Among academics juggling the demands of teaching, writing, and service, it is not uncommon to hear that there is simply no time left for research.
Whether you are a scholar working on a new monograph, an organization engaged in strategic planning, or a creative writer determined to give your work an air of authenticity, thorough research is integral to the success of your project and the advancement of your career.
As an experienced and resourceful researcher, I can help you gather the vital information you need to support your scholarly or creative project. This process may include:
- retrieving books, articles, and/or archival materials that you have identified;
- generating a reading list or annotated bibliography of sources that might be relevant to your project;
- compiling and collating data into spreadsheets and databases;
- pursuing access to materials in libraries, museums, archives, and special collections;
- securing permission to reproduce images or other copyrighted works; and
- transcribing audio recordings and manuscripts.
Rates
My rates vary considerably depending on the nature of the work, the time frame of the assignment, the degree of special expertise required, and other factors. In all cases, I can tailor my services to your needs and your budget. Payment plans and other arrangements are available for graduate students, small nonprofits, and clients with limited means.
Joshua Boydstun 