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Investigative & Research Services

By Geri Spieler

My work focuses on investigative, historical, documentary, and archival research, using reliable, verifiable, and properly documented sources.

Every project begins with a complimentary one-hour consultation. During our conversation, we’ll discuss your project, clarify your research objectives, identify potential sources, and determine the most effective research strategy. Following the consultation, you’ll receive a written estimate and project agreement. No research work begins until the agreement has been signed.

Member in good standing with the Association of Independent Information Professionals ( AIIP)

All research is conducted using publicly available records, sources, and information.

Option 1: Quick Start — Small Scope

Designed for straightforward projects requiring targeted research and reliable sourcing.

This option is ideal when you need a focused answer, verification of information, or help locating a specific source.

Examples include:

  • Verifying historical facts or claims
  • Locating hard-to-find sources or documents
  • Researching a person, company, organization, or event
  • Conducting background research for an article, presentation, or project

Deliverables may include:

  • Concise written summary of findings
  • Key sources and references
  • Relevant supporting documentation
  • Recommendations for additional research, if appropriate

Option 2: Research Partner — Moderate Scope

A more in-depth research engagement involving multiple sources, document searches, timelines, and ongoing collaboration as your project develops.

This option is well suited for books, documentaries, film projects, feature articles, podcasts, and business-related research.

Deliverables may include:

  • Detailed written research summaries
  • Annotated source lists
  • Chronologies and timelines
  • Public records and supporting documentation
  • Research notes and findings
  • Regular progress updates and consultations

Option 3: Investigative Research — Broad Scope

Designed for projects requiring comprehensive investigative research and the examination of information across multiple sources and databases.

This service is intended for authors, publishers, documentary filmmakers, journalists, attorneys seeking factual background (not legal research), and organizations requiring thorough investigative support.

Research may involve:

  • Multiple public databases and information sources
  • Historical and archival collections
  • Government records and public filings
  • News archives and other published sources
  • Interviews and source development, when appropriate
  • Cross-referencing and verification of information
  • Detailed written reports documenting findings and source credibility

Option 4: Comprehensive Research Partnership — Extensive & Customized

A premium, highly customized engagement designed for clients who need an experienced investigative research partner throughout the life of a project.

I become an extension of your project team, working alongside you from initial concept through completion. This may include locating difficult-to-find sources, uncovering overlooked information, verifying facts, organizing evidence, identifying gaps in the narrative, and developing additional avenues of investigation as new discoveries emerge.

Projects may span weeks or months and can include:

  • Ongoing research and investigation
  • Regular strategy meetings
  • Progress reports and research updates
  • Source verification and documentation
  • Evidence organization
  • Identification of research gaps and unanswered questions
  • Development of new investigative leads
  • Ongoing consultation throughout the project

Every Project Includes

  • Complimentary one-hour initial consultation
  • Clear written project estimate and agreement before work begins
  • Confidential handling of all client materials
  • Honest assessment of what can—and cannot—reasonably be found
  • Regular communication throughout the project
  • Research based on reliable, verifiable, and properly documented sources
  • Investigative standards developed through decades of experience as a journalist, author, and professional researcher

Research & Advice I Do Not Provide

I do not provide:

  • Genealogy research
  • Legal research or legal advice
  • Medical research or medical advice
  • Financial advice
  • Services requiring professional licensure

My role is to provide factual, documented research and investigative support, not professional advice in areas requiring specialized licensure or certification.