FAQ's

1. Determine your research objective.  What specifically do you want to accomplish?
   Examples: Determine father of Ancestor XXX,  Determine Maiden name of Ancestor XXX, Research my great-grandfather’s life. 
2. Submit your objective and all pertinent prior research to me via e-mail at rick@backstorybloodhound.com or snail mail (Backstory Bloodhound, LLC, P.O. Box 133, Metropolis, IL  62960). 
3. Read the Consent to the Statement of Research Principles on this website (#2 below).  See What is the process for Ordering Services below. 
4. Submit retainer fee equal of ½ of research ordered and agree to pay balance upon completion of research. Consultations/Coaching require full payment before services begin..

No professional genealogist can guarantee any specific result due to situations such as the availability of a specific record or time constraints.  What I can guarantee is that I develop a research plan, diligently conduct the appropriate research, and submit a professional report to you citing all results (both positive and negative) as well as recommendations for anything additional needed to accomplish the objective. By submitting a retainer for research or a consultation, you agree that you understand this and that you will promptly pay any remaining balance upon completion of the research.  You also agree that the copyright of the material is retained by Backstory Bloodhound, LLC unless otherwise specified in writing.  As a client you may use the copyrighted report but agree that you will not publish, or distribute it without written permission from Backstory Bloodhound, LLC.  As a client, you agree to provide appropriate credit for the report to Backstory Bloodhound, LLC. when referencing the research performed and not to add to or delete from the report. 

Yes, Backstory Bloodhound, LLC offers a free 30 minute no-obligation consultation by phone to discuss your objectives and help determine the feasibility of research to meet your objective.  If I do not believe I can help you at that time, I will tell you so. Backstory Bloodhound, LLC may also occasionally offer free in-person consultations in Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, or Southeast Missouri. 

I love doing on-site research in courthouses, archives, and libraries.  Despite the digital records available online, many times that is still where the tough genealogical problems are solved.  I am familiar with all facilities for research in Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, and Southeast Missouri.  My father’s family was from Marshall County, Kentucky and my mother’s family from Pope County, Illinois. As more than 90% of my ancestral lines are from southern states (Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Virginia), I am well versed on records of that region.  I have access and am proficient in the use of most every major online genealogical database and resource as well as DNA techniques to provide clues and confirm ancestry.  DNA is not a magic bullet for genealogy but should always be used in conjunction with appropriate documentary research – it is a significant tool in our arsenal but only one of many tools. 

Periodically (but at least once per month), I will post articles about genealogical research practices, how I made discoveries on various ancestral lines, and research tips within the region in which I typically research.  Feel free to check back for new information on a regular basis.   Articles and news pertaining to regional history and events may also be posted on occasion.  Check back often to see what’s up!

On-Site/Online Research - $33 per hour with a ten-hour minimum.  Adequate genealogical and historical research takes time.  In a typical ten-hour session, approximately one to two hours is generally spent developing the research plan, approximately six to eight hours is generally devoted to actual research, and approximately two hours is spent on generating the research report. Reports are generally sent electronically file.  Hardcopy reports are billed at $0.10 per page plus shipping costs.  Costs of hardcopy documents from a research facility are billed at cost. 

Any fees to access specific records are billed at cost. Mileage up to 100 miles one-way from Metropolis, Illinois is included in the costs of an On-Site research session. Difficult pre-1850 genealogical problems often take more extensive research. Discounts are offered for 20 hour ($620) sessions. 

Consulting/Development of a Research Plan - $25 per hour with a two-hour minimum.  

Beginner's Online Only Research Session - $25 per hour with a five hour minimum. 

For consultations, full payment is expected in advance.  For on-site and online research, I ask for one half of the amount as a retainer with the balance to be paid upon completion of research and before submission of the report. A Letter of Agreement will be sent to you for your signature before work begins. You will be notified when the report is completed and payment of the balance is due at that time. Payment can be conveniently made through Paypal on this website or a check can be mailed to: Backstory Bloodhound, LLC, P.O. Box 133, Metropolis, Illinois 62960.