Chris Rickert
I’ve spent 24 years in daily newspaper journalism as an editor, reporter, columnist and page designer. I’ve also been a college instructor and child welfare worker and recently got into fact-checking part-time with the help and guidance of a former Atlantic editor.
My approach
You’ve done the research and know your material, but even the most careful authors make mistakes. That’s where I come in.
My goal in fact-checking your work is to make it as close to bulletproof as possible. My check-every-word approach includes:
Providing at least one reputable source, preferably two, for each of your assertions. It’s best for you to show your work with a list of references, but I’ll find them if you don’t.
Communication. When I find a questionable assertion, I’ll not only let you know, I’ll explain why I believe it’s wrong.
A fresh eye. If a conclusion seems unsupported by the evidence, I’ll flag it.
Re-interviews. I’m happy to re-interview your sources to verify what they’ve told you.
Past projects
Three chapters of “Kill Switch: The Rise of the Modern Senate and the Crippling of American Democracy,” by Adam Jentleson.Seven chapters of “The White Wall: How Big Finance Bankrupts Black America,” by Emily Flitter.Four chapters of “Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle over Technology and Prosperity,” by Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson.Seven pieces in Texas Monthly's 50th anniversary book, "Lone Stars Rising."Multiple chapters of “The White Bonus: Five Families and the Cash Value of Racism in America," by Tracie McMillan.Multiple true-crime pieces in upcoming Texas Monthly compilation.
I specialize in shorter, quick-turnaround projects such as magazine pieces and book chapters, often completed in coordination with other freelance fact-checkers. But I’m also happy to take on the right full-length book project. And while I’m most familiar with works in the social sciences, history, politics and popular journalism, I’d be excited to broaden my horizons into other areas.
How much will it cost? That’s negotiable. Depending on the project and the level of research required, I run between $50 and $75 an hour, plus any expenses. Magazine and other mainstream journalism pieces price out at the lower end of that spectrum. I offer a standard contract that protects your interests as the author and makes clear my responsibilities.
How I can help