David
Horsfall
Interdisciplinary analysis of historical, cultural, and ideological frameworks. Bridging the gap between academic rigor and modern editorial style.
Research & Analysis
My Approach to Research & Analysis
As a research analyst, I go beyond simply collecting information. I question, organize, analyze, and interpret it to uncover meaning and present information clearly. I approach every project with curiosity, precision, and a commitment to thoughtful, rigorous analysis. My book, The Next Step From Nazi Ideology and Scientific Authority to the New Biopolitics of Health Security, offers a practical example of this approach—combining research, structured argument, and clear writing to examine complex ideas. Preview or purchase the book to experience my analytical approach and writing style firsthand. It is published internationally and available in hardback, paperback, and ebook formats.
Please note, however, that the paperback editions reproduce the tables, diagrams, and illustrations with greater clarity.
As an illustrator, I bring another dimension to this process. Depending on the nature of the project, I may incorporate illustrations, diagrams, tables, flowcharts, videos, and visual methods to identify patterns, clarify relationships and translate ideas, and perspectives into compelling visualizations. In summary, research/analysis establishes meaning; writing communicates it; illustration and visualization make it visible.
A Note on AI-Generated Writing and Research
AI tools can generate fluent and sophisticated written analysis on any given subject or question. However, AI-generated writing is not original research. Research requires the identification, examination, and verification of actual sources and evidence.
Therefore, unless sources have been independently verified, citations, quotations, bibliographic details, and page numbers generated by an AI system should not be presumed as accurate. AI systems can produce plausible-looking references to works, quotations, or sources that do not exist—commonly referred to as hallucinated citations.
For research intended for academic, professional, or publication purposes, I therefore treat source verification as essential. Where appropriate, research is based on traceable sources that can be independently consulted and verified, rather than relying on AI-generated references or summaries.
AI can assist with drafting, exploring ideas, or identifying avenues for further inquiry. It does not replace source research, evidence verification, analysis, or original intellectual work.
Areas of Practice
My services are broadly organized around four areas of practice—
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Research & Analysis
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Consultation
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Writing
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Visual Communication
Research and analysis projects may involve one service or combine several disciplines, depending on the objectives and scope of the work. All prices below are starting rates.
A specific project fee is determined after reviewing the project requirements, materials, deliverables, timeline, and level of development involved.
They address two related but distinct forms of work—
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Research focuses on investigating questions, locating and evaluating sources, organizing information, and developing documented findings.
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Analysis focuses on examining existing information or research, evaluating evidence and arguments, identifying relationships and patterns, and developing interpretations or conclusions.
Services & Pricing
The pricing below provides starting points and a framework for determining the level of research required based on the scope, depth, and complexity of the project.
$150+ Defined and focused Investigation
$350+ Broader, comparative research, evaluation, and synthesis
$750+ Extensive and complex investigation, including deeper analytical review
The final written component is considered part of the research deliverable when its purpose is to communicate the research.
Research Project — Starting at $350
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Focused research question or topic
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Targeted source research
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Organization and synthesis of findings
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Research summary or short report
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Typical scope: up to approximately 5–10 pages
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Includes 1 round of revisions
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Additional revisions billed separately
In-Depth Research — Starting at $750
Broader research involving multiple sources, perspectives, or areas of evidence that require comparison, evaluation, and synthesis.
Typical scope:
Multiple source types and perspectives
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Comparison and evaluation of evidence
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Deeper synthesis and interpretation
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Structured research report or substantial written piece
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Typical scope: approximately 10–20 pages
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Includes 2 round of revisions
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Additional revisions billed separately
Comprehensive Research — Starting at $1,500
Substantial research involving complex, open-ended, or multi-part questions requiring extensive investigation and analysis—
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Extensive source research
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Multiple bodies of material or research
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Detailed analysis and synthesis
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Multiple stages of research and development
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Substantial report or research-based publication
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Includes 2 rounds of revisions
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Additional revisions billed separately
White Paper / Book Manuscript — Starting at $2,500
A substantial research-based publication developed into a structured, polished written document or manuscript—
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White papers, book manuscripts, and other long-form publications
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Extensive research, source evaluation, and synthesis
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Development of the structure, argument, chapters, or sections
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Research-based writing and editorial development
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May include abstracts, executive summaries, references, tables, charts, or supporting visuals
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Typical project range: $2,500–$10,000+
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Includes 2 rounds of revisions
Additional revisions billed separately
Large or highly research-intensive manuscripts are quoted separately.