Catherine Yronwode, born Catherine Anna Manfredi in 1947, is an American writer, editor, graphic designer, typesetter, and publisher with a significant background in the comic book industry. Her early life included experiences in underground newspapers and rural living. She began writing in her teens for science fiction fanzines and contributed to early publications like Rolling Stone and the Whole Earth Catalog. Yronwode also co-authored a cookbook with her mother. Her interest in comics, particularly Doctor Strange, led her to create a magico-religious index for the character, parts of which were later published. She adopted the surname Yronwode in 1965. She is also a practitioner of folk magic.

Her professional career expanded significantly in the comic book world, starting with editing and writing introductions for comic strip reprints. Yronwode became a prominent voice as a news reporter and columnist for Comics Buyer's Guide. She later served as Editor-in-Chief for Eclipse Comics, where she significantly influenced the company's direction and published numerous award-winning titles. During this period, she also co-wrote a book on women in comics and was involved in legal cases concerning free speech. After Eclipse Comics, she worked for Claypool Comics. Yronwode's career also includes work in gardening publications.

Catherine Yronwode began her writing career in her teenage years, contributing to science fiction fanzines during the 1960s. She was involved with the Bay Area Astrologers Group, co-writing a weekly astrology column for an underground newspaper. Her early freelance work included record reviews for the nascent Rolling Stone magazine and articles on low-tech living for the Whole Earth Catalog and Country Women magazine. While incarcerated for growing marijuana, she wrote about her experiences for the Spokane Natural. Notably, she co-authored a faux-medieval cookbook, 'My Lady's Closet Opened and the Secret of Baking Revealed by Two Gentlewomen,' with her mother. Yronwode's passion for comics, particularly Marvel's Silver Age material, led her to create the 'Lesser Book of the Vishanti,' a magico-religious index for Doctor Strange, which gained attention within the industry.

Yronwode made a substantial impact on the comic book industry, beginning with her work at Ken Pierce Books, where she edited and wrote introductions for comic strip reprint series. She then became a news reporter and columnist for Comics Buyer's Guide, where her column 'Fit to Print' covered industry news, reviews, and opinion pieces. Her role as Editor-in-Chief at Eclipse Comics was pivotal; she helped shape the company into a major independent publisher, overseeing the release of acclaimed titles and advocating for creator rights. She was known for her outspoken criticism of major comic companies and her role in highlighting Jack Kirby's legacy. Yronwode also co-authored 'Women and the Comics,' a significant work on the history of female creators in the field. Her involvement in legal cases concerning free speech and expression further marked her tenure.

Following the dissolution of Eclipse Comics, Yronwode continued her work in the publishing field, joining Claypool Comics. During the 1990s, she also contributed to 'Organic Gardening Magazine' and authored 'The California Gardener's Book of Lists.' Her professional path has also encompassed a deep engagement with folk magic, a practice she is known for. She and her husband, Nagasiva Bryan W. Yronwode, worked together at Claypool Comics until its cessation of print publication in 2007. Yronwode's multifaceted career blends her extensive experience in editing, publishing, and design with her involvement in esoteric practices.