If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
I help authors and organizations produce polished, error-free writing. My standard service encompasses proofreading and light copyediting to detect and correct a complete range of mechanical and grammatical issues. I also offer expansive suggestions for improving the clarity and flow of the text. You can expect thoughtful editing that improves your manuscript while preserving your voice.
With almost 20 years of experience, I provide reliable, detail-oriented editing for manuscripts and documents.
Rate: $0.0175 per word (a 10,000-word document is $175).
I also offer a free one- to two-page sample edit so you can see my editing style before committing.
Overview
Hired 127 times
Serves Blacksburg, VA
Background checked
1 employee
20 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Stripe.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2021
2020
2019
2016
Services offered
Type of work
Editing type
Copyediting
Proofreading
Document to be edited
Fiction manuscripts
Non-fiction manuscripts
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
70 reviews
5
91%
4
9%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Patricia B.
4 weeks ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
This was my first time writing a manuscript, so I had no idea what to expect from a proofreader. Cindy exceeded every expectation. She completed the work well within the agreed timeframe, and when I came back to her multiple times with additional edits, she happily accommodated each request without hesitation.
She had a great eye for detail — flagging redundancies I hadn't noticed and suggesting places where an extra sentence would help readers better follow what I was trying to say. Her feedback wasn't just correction; it genuinely improved how clearly my story came across.
Beyond her professionalism, punctuality, and reasonable fee, what stood out most was how invested she became in my book — it felt like she cared about it as much as I did. I highly recommend Cindy to anyone looking for someone to guide them through their writing. Five stars, without question.
Details: Editing • Proofreading • Copyediting • Non-fiction manuscripts • 50,000 - 100,000 words • A single project • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Writing and Editing Services
Ronda W.
Jul 21, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Cindy at Proof Positive Papers was a joy to work with! She is professional, timely, and thorough. We hired Cindy to help with proofreading several book publishing projects. I would highly recommend Cindy, and we would definitely work with her again in the future!
Details: Editing • Proofreading • Academic papers and journals • 10,000 - 30,000 words • A single project • Remotely (phone or internet)
Writing and Editing Services
Denise O.
Apr 12, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Cindy was amazing to work with! I felt comfortable handing my book over to her to review and edit. I didn't realize how nervous I was at first, but she never pressured me and was a delight to work with. I highly recommend working with Cindy for your editing needs. I look forward to working with her in the future!
Details: Editing • Copyediting • Fiction manuscripts • 50,000 - 100,000 words • A single project • Remotely (phone or internet)
Proof Positive Papers II Editing Services's reply
Thanks, Denise! You were a joy to collaborate with, and I hope we can work together again soon.
Writing and Editing Services
Linda J.
Jul 9, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Words on this page cannot adequately praise nor thank Proof Positive Papers highly enough.
Cindy was responsive, friendly, on time and professional throughout the entire job.
Having worked with other editors in past, this experience was by far superior, and will not hesitate to hire her again.
Thank you Cindy, for all your work.
Details: Editing • Copyediting • Proofreading • Fiction manuscripts • 50,000 - 100,000 words • A single project • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)
Writing and Editing Services
Elric N.
Dec 28, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Not only was she communicative, she took on a vary personal project. Cindy was both professional and empathetic, price was also vary reasonable.
Details: Editing • Copyediting • Proofreading • Non-fiction manuscripts • Human resources • 30,000 - 50,000 words • A single project • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Proof Positive Papers II Editing Services's reply
Thank you, Elric! Working on this project with you was a privilege.
Writing and Editing Services
Credentials
Background Check
Cynthia Beatty
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is simple: $.0175/word. To begin a project, I request the first-half payment up front. The second-half payment is due when I return your manuscript and you've had a chance to review my suggestions. I accept credit card payment via Stripe.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When a prospective customer contacts me via Thumbtack, I offer a free sample edit of two-three pages, usually with a 24-hour turnaround. This gives the customer an idea of how we'll collaborate.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Master of Education with a concentration in teaching English as a second language and a Bachelor of Liberal Studies in English. I am also a college-level instructor.
