Do you need to hire a genealogist?
Do you lack the time to do your own research?
Do you lack the necessary genealogical research skills?
Do you need access to records in another part of the country?
Have you reached a brick wall or a dead end?
Do you need specific online research conducted?
Do you need help writing, publishing, or editing your family history?
If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, then you need to hire a professional genealogist. You've come to the right place.
My experience and Personal Information:
I began researching my family history after the birth of my eldest child, in 1972, giving me 38 years experience in genealogy research for my own family, as well as for others. I have researched records in libraries, cemeteries, archives, and courthouses as well as online. Documentation is the key to successful genealogy, so I always strive for a minimum of three (3) period documents as solid proof of each of my findings.
I have written an article entitled "Reading Old Handwriting" that can be found at "The Encyclopedia of Genealogy" website. The editing process at the website unfortunately eliminated the necessary text formatting, but the entire original article can be viewed and/or downloaded (free of charge) in PDF format here.
If you aren't sure that you need to hire me and want to give it a shot on your own, I also have a 26-page genealogy workbook that will help you try it for yourself. The workbook can be downloaded (again, free of charge) in PDF format by clicking here.
"Karla, what can you do for me, and how much is it going to cost me?"
This is a common question. I have simplified the process so there are no hidden fees or charges to you when you hire me to do your family research for you. I begin my research by asking you some questions about your family. I use the information you give me as the jumping board for your genealogy research. I will go back a minimum of five (5) generations. I charge a flat rate of $30 per generation, with a five-generation minimum. How far I go back will be up to you. Most people are quite satisfied with five generations, but if you need more, I will research more. However, after five generations, per generation costs go up in $10 incriments. So - if you want the standard five-generation research, it will cost you a mere $150 (at $30 per generation); for six generations it will be $190 (an additional $40 for the sixth generation); for seven generations it will be $240 (an additional $50 for the seventh generation)... You get the drift.
Your Genealogy Report
Your Family History files will include a gedcom file you can add to your genealogy software on your computer, a pedigree chart beginning with you (or the person you designate as the "start" person), an "Ancestors of (start person)" e-book, a "Relationship to (start person)" report, Family Reports of all the families in your file, and copies of all the original documents I locate and use to put your file together. (View SAMPLES) The standard format of these reports will be PDF files that I will email to you, and I will also mail you a CD of the files. If you choose to have the information put into a bound book, I can have it done for you through my supplier or you can pay your local printer to turn the PDF files on your CD into a bound book for you.
To get your family research started, simply email me with as much of your family information you have, beginning with yourself and your immediate family. We will remain in contact with each other throughout the research process. When completed I will email you a link that will allow you to pay me for my work through PayPal. As soon as your payment has been received, I will email your Family History files to you and mail your CD to the desired mailing address.
If you want me to get the bound book prepared for you, I will make the arrangements with my supplier and email you the link to order the bound book in the quantity of your choice. Bound books are not part of the standard research fee and will cost extra, depending upon the size of your file and what you want included in the book, and can be ordered at any time.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Karla J. (Shelton) Nelson
Volume 1, Issue 1
April, 2010