Developmental Editor
During my 30-year career, I have worked as a developmental editor for book publishers in the children’s nonfiction and adult nonfiction markets. Subjects I have worked with include social history and science for young people, fine arts, home and garden arts for adults, and how-to crafting for all ages.
In addition to doing hands-on editing of books, I have coordinated teams of writers, designers, and artists through all stages of the publishing process, from initial book concepts to finished manuscripts. Currently, I work as a freelance Developmental Editor. I have also worked as an in-house editor for various book publishers (see below).
As a freelance editor, the skills I offer my clients include:
Please scroll down to see some of the recent books I've edited as well as my work resume.
In addition to doing hands-on editing of books, I have coordinated teams of writers, designers, and artists through all stages of the publishing process, from initial book concepts to finished manuscripts. Currently, I work as a freelance Developmental Editor. I have also worked as an in-house editor for various book publishers (see below).
As a freelance editor, the skills I offer my clients include:
- Flexibility and wide-ranging interests that allow me to work comfortably with a variety of subject matter, from natural science to art to cultural history
- Strict adherence to schedules and deadlines
- Experience in working with editorial teams, coordinating text and visual materials
- A cooperative and willing attitude when working with clients and co-workers
Please scroll down to see some of the recent books I've edited as well as my work resume.
Recent Books
Socks Appeal was a Gold Medal winner of the 2010 Foreword Book of the Year Awards.
Socks Appeal by Brenna Maloney
C&T Publishing/Stash Books (2010)
ISBN-10: 160705194X
ISBN-13: 978-1607051947
http://www.ctpub.com
Author comments
“In life, you need three things: A good dentist, a good mechanic, and a good hairdresser. Someone needs to scrape away unwanted layers. Someone needs to know how to fix the thing in your thing when nothing is running right. And somebody needs to know how to fix your bad hair days. I have Cynthia Bix, so I don’t need the dentist, mechanic, or the hairdresser. A good editor like Cynthia takes care of all your problems. With great ease, Cynthia strips anything unwanted from my writing. She has the tools and the know-how to get things running right. And she has the uncanny ability to always make me look good in print. Cynthia edited the award-winning, best-selling Socks Appeal and its sequel, Sockology. To be honest, I wouldn’t write a book without her.”--Brenna Maloney, author
Reviews
"Socks Appeal author, Brenna Maloney, is a former Washington Post editor. Assigned to cover the recession and housing crises that was brewing in 2008, Maloney started making sock animals for her children as a stress reducer. Maloney found that the more traumatic her job got, the more creating a new sock animal each night seemed to help. Maloney's wit and candor in how she writes the instructions are hilarious." Publishers Weekly
Socks Appeal by Brenna Maloney
C&T Publishing/Stash Books (2010)
ISBN-10: 160705194X
ISBN-13: 978-1607051947
http://www.ctpub.com
Author comments
“In life, you need three things: A good dentist, a good mechanic, and a good hairdresser. Someone needs to scrape away unwanted layers. Someone needs to know how to fix the thing in your thing when nothing is running right. And somebody needs to know how to fix your bad hair days. I have Cynthia Bix, so I don’t need the dentist, mechanic, or the hairdresser. A good editor like Cynthia takes care of all your problems. With great ease, Cynthia strips anything unwanted from my writing. She has the tools and the know-how to get things running right. And she has the uncanny ability to always make me look good in print. Cynthia edited the award-winning, best-selling Socks Appeal and its sequel, Sockology. To be honest, I wouldn’t write a book without her.”--Brenna Maloney, author
Reviews
"Socks Appeal author, Brenna Maloney, is a former Washington Post editor. Assigned to cover the recession and housing crises that was brewing in 2008, Maloney started making sock animals for her children as a stress reducer. Maloney found that the more traumatic her job got, the more creating a new sock animal each night seemed to help. Maloney's wit and candor in how she writes the instructions are hilarious." Publishers Weekly
FunStitch Studio Children's Series from Stash Books/C&T Publishing
Exciting and creative books for young crafters
http://www.stashbooksblog.com/?s=funstitch&searchsubmit=Search
http://www.ctpub.com/client/client_pages/sites/fun_stitch_studio.html
We Love to Sew
28 Pretty Things to Make: Jewelry, Headbands, Softies, T-shirts, Pillows, Bags & More by Annabel Wrigley ISBN: 978-1-60705-632-4 "Thanks to everyone at C&T for helping me and guiding me in the process of making a beautiful book. To Cynthia Bix, my amazing and calm editor who has never once doubted I could do this even though at times I was not sure."--Annabel Wrigley |
Forest Fairy Crafts
Enchanting Fairies & Felt Friends from Simple Supplies • 28+ Projects to Create & Share by Lenka Vodicka-Paredes, Asia Currie ISBN: 978-1-60705-690-4 |
Fabric * Paper * Thread
26 Projects to Stitch with Friends by Kristen Sutcliffe ISBN: 978-1-60705-715-4 "Thank you to everyone at C&T for giving me the amazing opportunity to work on this book. I have learned so much though this process. Thank you especially to Cynthia for giving me the guidance I needed to dive into work on my first book. I am in awe of your talent with words and grateful for your support and your patience."—Kristen Sutcliffe |
A Kid's Guide to Sewing
by Sophie Kerr, with Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr ISBN: 978-1-60705=751-2 |
C&T Publishing/Stash Books for Adults
The Practical Guide to Patchwork
New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker
by Elizabeth Hartman
C&T Publishing/Stash Books (2010)
ISBN: 978-1-60705-008-7
http://www.ctpub.com
Review:
"Here's a 'How-to-quilt' book from the fresh and appealing Stash Books. With its open layout, lots of simple diagrams and 'lifestyle' photography, The Practical Guide to Patchwork: New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker by Elizabeth Hartman (Stash Books) will be the new essential guide for all new quilters. There are 12 projects from 'beginner' to 'intermediate' with just enough, but not too much instruction. The appeal is immediately evident — order a lot!"— Quilters Newsletter - April 1, 2011
New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker
by Elizabeth Hartman
C&T Publishing/Stash Books (2010)
ISBN: 978-1-60705-008-7
http://www.ctpub.com
Review:
"Here's a 'How-to-quilt' book from the fresh and appealing Stash Books. With its open layout, lots of simple diagrams and 'lifestyle' photography, The Practical Guide to Patchwork: New Basics for the Modern Quiltmaker by Elizabeth Hartman (Stash Books) will be the new essential guide for all new quilters. There are 12 projects from 'beginner' to 'intermediate' with just enough, but not too much instruction. The appeal is immediately evident — order a lot!"— Quilters Newsletter - April 1, 2011
The Quilter’s Color Club by Christine E. Barnes
C&T Publishing (2011)
ISBN: 978-1-60705-009-4
http://www.ctpub.com
Author comments
“As my developmental editor, Cynthia was both an advocate for the reader, sensing when the reader needed more, and a supporter of my work, encouraging me as we shaped and polished the text. I'd love to work with her again!”--Christine Barnes, author
Reviews
Amazon Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Color Primer, March 5, 2011
“The Quilters Color Club is an excellent primer on the use of hue, value, intensity, color combinations, patterns and texture, light effects and transparency in the construction of quilts and garments (Asian inspired vests, in this case). Fabrics are evaluated from the standpoint of intensity and visual temperature. Many of the sample quilts are constructed from simple blocks that allow the quilter to maximize experimentation with color and texture, and there are a number of examples of full scale complex quilts from established artists that illustrate the principles and provide inspiration. If you read and study this book and work the exercises in it you will definitely improve your color composition skills. If you like working with stripes, batiks and intensely colored florals, you will love this book. Barnes uses fabrics from contemporary designers that you will be able to find if you want to do the projects.”--LuvKimono (Minnesota)
C&T Publishing (2011)
ISBN: 978-1-60705-009-4
http://www.ctpub.com
Author comments
“As my developmental editor, Cynthia was both an advocate for the reader, sensing when the reader needed more, and a supporter of my work, encouraging me as we shaped and polished the text. I'd love to work with her again!”--Christine Barnes, author
Reviews
Amazon Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Color Primer, March 5, 2011
“The Quilters Color Club is an excellent primer on the use of hue, value, intensity, color combinations, patterns and texture, light effects and transparency in the construction of quilts and garments (Asian inspired vests, in this case). Fabrics are evaluated from the standpoint of intensity and visual temperature. Many of the sample quilts are constructed from simple blocks that allow the quilter to maximize experimentation with color and texture, and there are a number of examples of full scale complex quilts from established artists that illustrate the principles and provide inspiration. If you read and study this book and work the exercises in it you will definitely improve your color composition skills. If you like working with stripes, batiks and intensely colored florals, you will love this book. Barnes uses fabrics from contemporary designers that you will be able to find if you want to do the projects.”--LuvKimono (Minnesota)
Simplifywas voted one of the 10 Best Craft Books of 2010 by Amazon.com
Simplify with Camille Roskelley: Quilts for the Modern Home by Camille Roskelley
C&T Publishing (October 16, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1571209387
ISBN-13: 978-1571209382
http://www.ctpub.com
Simplify with Camille Roskelley: Quilts for the Modern Home by Camille Roskelley
C&T Publishing (October 16, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1571209387
ISBN-13: 978-1571209382
http://www.ctpub.com
City Quilts was named one of the Best Books of 2010 in the Fiber Crafts Category by Library Journal, and was a finalist in the 2010 Foreword Book of the Year Awards.
City Quilts: 12 Dramatic Projects Inspired by Urban Views by Cherri House
C&T Publishing (October 16, 2010)
ISBN: 978-1-57120-847-7
http://www.ctpub.com
Reviews
“Inspired by her admiration for historical quilts, Cherri House presents a fresh combination of traditional and contemporary quilt making in this collection of patterns for what she refers to as glorified utility quilts. After browsing through the images in the book, you will never view an urban scene in the same way. House has a brilliant eye for pulling basic patterns from everyday city sight - the sides of buildings, airport runways, tires, and even barcodes - and transforming them into fabric. She translates these sights into simple, geometric quilts whose patterns are achieved through the repetition of basic shapes and straightforward construction techniques, often sewn together in horizontal rows. While House's easy-to-follow instructions make it possible for quilters to re-create her patterns exactly, she also encourages individuals to interpret the designs loosely and use them as jumping-off points for their own unique work. Whichever approach you take, House's patterns will train you eye to discern the underlying quilt patterns in the most unexpected of places.” —Quilting Arts, August 1, 2010
City Quilts: 12 Dramatic Projects Inspired by Urban Views by Cherri House
C&T Publishing (October 16, 2010)
ISBN: 978-1-57120-847-7
http://www.ctpub.com
Reviews
“Inspired by her admiration for historical quilts, Cherri House presents a fresh combination of traditional and contemporary quilt making in this collection of patterns for what she refers to as glorified utility quilts. After browsing through the images in the book, you will never view an urban scene in the same way. House has a brilliant eye for pulling basic patterns from everyday city sight - the sides of buildings, airport runways, tires, and even barcodes - and transforming them into fabric. She translates these sights into simple, geometric quilts whose patterns are achieved through the repetition of basic shapes and straightforward construction techniques, often sewn together in horizontal rows. While House's easy-to-follow instructions make it possible for quilters to re-create her patterns exactly, she also encourages individuals to interpret the designs loosely and use them as jumping-off points for their own unique work. Whichever approach you take, House's patterns will train you eye to discern the underlying quilt patterns in the most unexpected of places.” —Quilting Arts, August 1, 2010
Additional Books for Adults
Inspired to Sew by Bari J.
15 Pretty Projects • Sewing Secrets • Colorful Collage by Bari J. Ackerman Stash Books, 2011
|
Fresh Fabric Treats
16 Yummy Projects to Sew from Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes & More • With Your Favorite Moda Bake Shop Designers Stash Books, 2011 
A Field Guide to Fabric Design
Design, Print & Sell Your Own Fabric • Traditional & Digital Techniques • For Quilting, Home Dec & Apparel By Kim Kight Stash Books, 2011 |
Children's Nonfiction
In Good Hands:
Behind the scenes at a center for orphaned and injured birds
By Stephen R. Swinburne, illustrated with full-color photographs by the author
Sierra Club Books (1998)
Hardcover, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-87156-397-2
Ages: 7 - 11; Grades: 2 – 6
In this engaging photo essay, author-photographer Stephen Swinburne takes readers behind the scenes at the Center. Through Hannah's eyes, readers will gain a new appreciation for these fascinating birds and will share her quiet satisfaction when they are able to return to the wild.
Reviews
School Library Journal
“Beginning with the rescue of a baby barred owl, Swinburne follows a 16-year-old volunteer through her summer duties at the Vermont Raptor Center, ending with the owl's release into the wild in the fall. Full-color photos show Hannah at work as she feeds and cares for the injured birds that the center is rehabilitating. Dialogue between the teen and visiting families gives an immediacy to the narrative. Numerous boxed inserts add more detailed facts on raptors. By the end of the book, readers will share some of Hannah's knowledge as well as her feeling of closeness to these creatures. They will also know more about the dangers birds face from modern conveniences such as cars and electric wires.” —Ruth S. Vose, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
“Children get a peek at the workings of the Vermont Raptor Center, where orphaned or injured birds of prey, ranging from owls to eagles, are nurtured back to health and, if able, are released back into the wild. Hannah, a capable, conscientious 16-year-old, leads a behind-the-scenes tour, fielding questions from a school group and demonstrating the feeding and care of the birds. She also nurses a baby owl that has been rescued, which adds an element of suspense as questions about the baby bird's fate arise: Will the surrogate mother accept the tiny, downy owl? What if the baby can't grow strong enough to go home again? The owl's eventual return to the wild is bittersweet and will tug on the heartstrings. Informative sidebars fill in the blanks in this accessible and enjoyable resource, which is full of color photos picturing the birds and their caretakers.” — Kathleen Squires
By Stephen R. Swinburne, illustrated with full-color photographs by the author
Sierra Club Books (1998)
Hardcover, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-0-87156-397-2
Ages: 7 - 11; Grades: 2 – 6
In this engaging photo essay, author-photographer Stephen Swinburne takes readers behind the scenes at the Center. Through Hannah's eyes, readers will gain a new appreciation for these fascinating birds and will share her quiet satisfaction when they are able to return to the wild.
Reviews
School Library Journal
“Beginning with the rescue of a baby barred owl, Swinburne follows a 16-year-old volunteer through her summer duties at the Vermont Raptor Center, ending with the owl's release into the wild in the fall. Full-color photos show Hannah at work as she feeds and cares for the injured birds that the center is rehabilitating. Dialogue between the teen and visiting families gives an immediacy to the narrative. Numerous boxed inserts add more detailed facts on raptors. By the end of the book, readers will share some of Hannah's knowledge as well as her feeling of closeness to these creatures. They will also know more about the dangers birds face from modern conveniences such as cars and electric wires.” —Ruth S. Vose, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
“Children get a peek at the workings of the Vermont Raptor Center, where orphaned or injured birds of prey, ranging from owls to eagles, are nurtured back to health and, if able, are released back into the wild. Hannah, a capable, conscientious 16-year-old, leads a behind-the-scenes tour, fielding questions from a school group and demonstrating the feeding and care of the birds. She also nurses a baby owl that has been rescued, which adds an element of suspense as questions about the baby bird's fate arise: Will the surrogate mother accept the tiny, downy owl? What if the baby can't grow strong enough to go home again? The owl's eventual return to the wild is bittersweet and will tug on the heartstrings. Informative sidebars fill in the blanks in this accessible and enjoyable resource, which is full of color photos picturing the birds and their caretakers.” — Kathleen Squires
Blue Potatoes and Orange Tomatoes: How to Grow a Rainbow Garden
By Rosalind Creasy; illustrated in full color by Ruth Heller
Sierra Club Books, Paperback, 40 pages (1997)
ISBN: 978-0-87156-919-6
Ages 2-11; Grades: 2-6
With its clear, comprehensive approach and bold, bright pictures, Blue Potatoes, Orange Tomatoes makes a perfect introduction to the joys of organic gardening.
Review
“Ruth Heller was a good choice for illustrator. I really do want to grow a rainbow garden and try these recipes now! Creasy is very thorough - children ages 8 up could succeed with very little help; children younger would still have a wonderful experience.”— Cheryl in CC NV - Goodreads
By Rosalind Creasy; illustrated in full color by Ruth Heller
Sierra Club Books, Paperback, 40 pages (1997)
ISBN: 978-0-87156-919-6
Ages 2-11; Grades: 2-6
With its clear, comprehensive approach and bold, bright pictures, Blue Potatoes, Orange Tomatoes makes a perfect introduction to the joys of organic gardening.
Review
“Ruth Heller was a good choice for illustrator. I really do want to grow a rainbow garden and try these recipes now! Creasy is very thorough - children ages 8 up could succeed with very little help; children younger would still have a wonderful experience.”— Cheryl in CC NV - Goodreads
Work History
Current Freelance Developmental Editor & Writer
Contact: Bixwrite@aol.com
2008 to 2012 Developmental Editor
C&T Publications Company & Stash Books
http://www.ctpub.com
http://www.stashbooks.com
1986 to 2006 Freelance writer and developmental editor and writer
Sunset Books
Sunset Publishing Company
1984 to 1986 Associate Editor (full-time, in-house position)
Sunset Books
Sunset Publishing Company
1989 to 2007 Freelance writer and developmental editor
Sierra Club Books
Rainbow Educational Concepts
Publishers Resources Group
Walking Stick Press (book packagers for The Nature Company, Andrews and McMeel, Harry N. Abrams)
Oakland Museum of California
Today's Home Magazine
1974 to 1979 Developmental Editor, In-house Writer
Lerner Publications Company
http://www.lernerbooks.com
As an editor of children’s nonfiction books for school and library markets, I worked with authors to develop and edit 42 titles for grades 2 through 12, on subjects such as natural science, history, and art.
Professional Affiliations
Member of BAEF (Bay Area Editors’ Forum)
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
