Diane Gedymin Named Editorial Director of iUniverse

Lincoln, Neb. - April 22, 2004 - Publishing veteran R. Diane Gedymin has been named Editorial Director of iUniverse, Inc., one of the leading publishers utilizing print-on-demand technology, it was announced today by CEO Susan Driscoll. Gedymin, who will be based in New York City, will have primary responsibility for building and maintaining high quality and affordable editorial services for iUniverse authors and imprints.

"Given the realities of publishing today where many very good books remain unpublished," Gedymin says, "iUniverse provides authors with a viable alternative to mainstream publishing. I'm thrilled to be part of such a valuable and cutting-edge part of the book business."

Adds Driscoll, "Diane is a respected expert in the world of traditional publishing. The editorial services provided by iUniverse are already one of the most valuable milestones on the iUniverse Roadmap to Publishing Success. With Diane's creativity and experience, we'll be able to enhance our offerings even further. iUniverse couldn't have found a more qualified standard bearer for our commitment to editorial quality."

Before joining iUniverse, Gedymin was affiliated with Carlisle & Company, a Manhattan based literary agency. She was formerly Sr. Vice President and Publishing Director of HarperSanFrancisco where she acquired and edited Sidney Poitier's New York Times bestselling autobiography The Measure of a Man and published other national bestsellers including Just As I Am by Billy Graham, a #1 New York Times bestseller for which HarperSanFrancisco was the host publisher for international publication; Cash, An Autobiography by Johnny Cash; What Will Be by Michael Dertouzos of the MIT Computer Laboratory; and Before the Change by Ann Louise Gittleman.

Before joining HarperCollins she worked for ten years for the Putnam Berkley Group, last as Vice President and Senior Editor, where she acquired Bitterroot Landing by Sheri Reynolds, a first novel that was a San Francisco Chronicle bestseller; Reynolds' second novel, The Rapture of Canaan, was Oprah's third book club selection and a #1 New York Times bestseller. Previously at Putnam, she was Vice President, Subsidiary Rights, where she made several record-breaking deals including paperback rights to Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club; rights to Agatha Christie's mysteries to HarperCollins for close to $10 million; worldwide rights to Elizabeth Taylor's Elizabeth Takes Off; and book clubs sales to Tom Clancy's novels.

Gedymin observes that "Some of the biggest bestsellers in recent history have been self-published and iUniverse gives writers that same chance. I'm eager to use my experience to help iUniverse provide authors with even more services that will help them put out the best books possible."

Barnes and Noble Chief Executive Officer and iUniverse Director Steve Riggio says that Gedymin's role will have a direct impact on the quality of books published by iUniverse. "Diane has an outstanding track record as an editor, a publisher and a literary agent. Her appointment helps to level the playing field for self-published authors and will further enhance the range and quality of services that iUniverse offers its authors. I'm very pleased that Diane has joined the company."

About iUniverse

iUniverse is one of the largest publishers in the United States, with more than 14,000 titles in its backlist, and publishes 400 new fiction and non-fiction titles each month. iUniverse partners with leading industry author organizations, including the Authors Guild, and the ASJA to bring innovative publishing programs to their members. In May 2003, PC Magazine awarded iUniverse its coveted "Editors' Choice" designation, along with five of five stars, setting it far above all other publishers that utilize print on demand (POD) technology.