Usually one to two weeks
Focused research brief
$1,500 to $3,500A written analysis addressing one defined question, with citations to the sources behind its findings. The format is agreed for the reader who will use it.
Fees
Fees and project scope
Focused research projects begin at $1,500. Smaller needs can be addressed through Atlas Access, a paid definition session or a bounded source map. The guide is available separately. Each option below states what the price covers.
Written scope and fee agreed before work beginsResearch projects
Choose the depth the question requires
These ranges describe different scales of work. Source access and verification are considered alongside the form of the finished document. Any specialist review and licensed-source costs are addressed before commitment.
Usually three to six weeks
Structured research dossier
$4,000 to $9,000For an investigation that needs sources compiled and reconciled around connected questions. The dossier may combine a chronology with a memorandum, or an evidence comparison with a presentation. A visual research map can be included where it helps explain the findings. The proposal specifies the components.
Defined after record review
Complex record or special project
$10,000 and aboveFor large records or several connected research questions. The scope may include multilingual sources and sustained comparison, or several documents prepared for different readers.
Terms and capacity agreed before each month
Retained research capacity
From $3,500 monthlyReserved capacity when research continues from month to month. The proposal identifies active workstreams and response times. It specifies included capacity, how unused capacity is treated and what additional work costs.
The proposal records the source base and review depth, file formats, delivery date, revision terms and the treatment of additional work. A visual map is scoped as part of the project, not assumed to be included in every fee.
Smaller needs
You may not need a full project
The guide, Atlas Access, project definition and bounded source maps are available outside the $1,500 project minimum. Choose a guide for your own work or ask Atlas to help with a specific obstacle.
Self directed method
The Atlas Research Field Guide
A 38-page PDF for research you conduct yourself. It includes 12 method chapters and 16 working pages, plus three worked examples and eight method references. Read the ten-page sample before deciding.
Atlas Access
Working session or source map
The $225 option includes one focused working session and a written next step note. The $450 option adds an annotated map of up to 10 sources and one follow-up clarification.
$225 or $450See Atlas Access
Paid project definition
Project definition and plan
For a project that is not yet defined well enough to quote. We review the starting material with you, narrow the question and set source priorities. You receive a written plan. This paid scoping engagement sits outside the $1,500 project minimum.
$600 to $1,200Describe the question
Bounded research product
Bounded source map
For one defined question, you receive 12 to 25 screened sources with relevance notes. The map identifies known limits and a path for further research. It does not include a full narrative analysis.
$900 to $1,500Request a source map
Atlas Access
Help for students and emerging writers
Up to four Atlas Access places are reserved each month for students, independent scholars and emerging writers. Bring one research question you need help moving forward.
$225 for a working session and written next step note. $450 for a working session, an annotated map of up to 10 sources, and one follow-up clarification.
Atlas Access does not include graded writing, legal advice, medical advice, urgent work, or an open-ended research assignment.
See Atlas AccessBefore acceptance
What happens before you commit
- 01Fit and conflicts
Don reviews the question and deadline. Names needed for a conflict screen can be provided before you disclose sensitive details.
- 02Scope and boundaries
The proposal states what you will receive and which sources will be examined. It sets the fee and timing, with exclusions and responsibilities for final use.
- 03Confidentiality and handling
Before sensitive material is received, we agree on confidentiality and access. Transfer and retention arrangements are recorded, including deletion and any data location requirements.
- 04Project acceptance and delivery
Work begins after acceptance and any required initial payment. Delivery includes the agreed work product and the references specified in the proposal.
Pricing status
Published ranges are not quotations.
Urgency, incomplete records, specialist review, licensed sources, travel, or unusual security requirements can change the fee. Atlas identifies those conditions before commitment rather than adding them silently later.
Request a price
Not sure what your project would cost?
Describe the question and the material you have, with your deadline. We can assess whether there is enough information to quote or whether paid planning would be useful. The initial inquiry commits you to neither.
Discuss a project