Here are answers to some typically-asked questions about what we offer. This will help you better understand the process.

1. What goes into your projects?

The process involves personal interviews, collection of documents and photographs, research and fact-checking, and of course writing and content creation.. You can decide, in advance, how much time will go into your project; of course, more research and development time will produce a richer document, but will entail greater cost to you.

We’ll start by talking with you to develop an understanding of your goals for the project. We will help you flesh out a realistic project with a reliable timetable and costs that meet your budget.

2. What will my project look like?

Our projects take on many forms. There is no such thing as an average or normal project. Each client has different needs and we work to address those specific requirement. Often, it’s a book; however, we can produce historic narratives, brochures, articles, signs & posters, audio and video interviews, and even website content. Books can be heirlooms intended for the family, but we can even help you produce a book intended for retail sale!

3. How do we start?

To begin, understand that this is a partnership. The more you can aid in the process – such as helping to supply photographs or documents – the more efficient (and enjoyable for you!) the process will be. So, look forward to the time we spend together coordinating your project!

We begin each project by sitting down with you to discuss not only the research and preparation, but also your goals and what you want to accomplish.

4. What is your writing style?

We prepare our projects in a popular format as opposed to a scholarly one, making history interesting and exciting. XXXXX
Every writer writer has his or her approach to telling a story. Some writers are more analytical; others are more flowery and less concrete. We strike a balance – artfully weaving together the different strands of a story while imparting key information. The result is a friendly piece that people enjoy reading.

5. What makes for a good historic piece?

To begin, it’s a compelling narrative – not just putting names and dates down on paper. The writing should make you react to what you are reading…lure you into the story. You want a real story, yet one that sptolights the excitement and challenge of the story.

Plus, it’s not just the writing. You also need someone who knows how to research, who can effectively conduct an interview, and who is comfortable with various forms of media – from traditional books to online content. {add in readable and entertaining}{to travel wherever the story leads.
With certain exceptions, absolutely. Much of the research, interviewing and fact-checking can b}
e done virtually via telephone, email, or through services like Skype or Facetime..

6. What other work is involved in the development of these kinds of projects?

We manage the entire process – photography, image scanning, layout and design, and printing. If you are looking for something online, we can even help establish a good domain and arrange website hosting for you.

7. How long will a project take?

Projects can be completed within a tight deadlines if need be. While some projects can be completed in as little as a few weeks from from starting research to delivery of a completed piece, it is best to plan well in advance, and its best to keep your timeline relatively open. Historic research and writing is time-intensive. Time is needed not only for interviewing, research, and writing, but also for corrections and revision prior to final editions of projects.

8. Can you give me an idea of your costs/pricing?

First, take advantage of our initial hour of free consultation on your project. That will provide a snapshot of what your project might entail. Ultimately, you will decide the budget, and we will work within that. In short, these types of projects involve time, travel and certain expenses. An estimate will be prepared for you in advance based on what you are seeking. The aim is to produce a quality product for an agreed price accompanied by a high level of personal service.XXXXX
We understand the economy in which we all live and will work within your budget to meet your needs in a timely fashion. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who seeks help finding or preserving their heritage can receive it, to that end we will work with your budget to determine how to provide you with the greatest service at a reasonable cost.XXXXor a guidebook that has to be created on a shoestring budget.

Rates

  • Initial Consultation: by phone, e-mail, in-person or combination (1 hour): free
  • Writing: short-term projects $35 per hour. Larger projects are quoted on a per-project basis
  • Local Research: $35 for first hour, $30/hour after
  • Non-Local Research: $35/hour + travel costs and expenses
  • Image creation, digitizing, modification: $35 per hour plus expenses
  • Correspondence with research sources: $25 per hour

A note on pro bono projects: We maintain a commitment to small non-profits, historical societies, and small museums within our area. Much of our research would not be possible if it were not for the collections maintained by these groups. To aid the ongoing stewardship by these groups, we will often volunteer our services to them. Often, this gratis work focuses on collections, marketing, and strategic planning – providing an outside pair of objective eyes to help the organization. This provides an opportunity to give back to the local historic community and to contribute to the broader historic preservation movement.

9. You are in Ohio; I am not in your area – can you still help me?

While our main geographic service area is central Ohio, we provide services nationwide and can consult with you onsite, via phone, email, or online. We work with a small, hand-picked group of history research, writing, and publishing partners throughout the country so that we can be of service anywhere in the United States.