Biography
Byron Preiss has been at the forefront of publishing innovation for over three decades. As founder and president of Byron Preiss Visual Publications, he has pioneered new approaches to storytelling that blend traditional publishing with cutting-edge technology.
Early Career & Vision
Born in New York City in 1953, Byron showed an early fascination with both literature and visual arts. After studying at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University, he founded Byron Preiss Visual Publications in 1974 with a revolutionary vision: to create books that transcended traditional boundaries between text and image.
Publishing Innovations
- Graphic Novels Pioneer: Among the first to use the term "graphic novel" with the Fiction Illustrated series (1976-1977)
- Digital Publishing: Founded iBooks in 1999, simultaneously releasing titles in print and digital formats
- Interactive Media: Created multimedia experiences that engage readers across multiple platforms
- Educational Publishing: Developed innovative educational materials combining entertainment with learning
The Secret & Treasure Hunting
In 1982, Byron created "The Secret: A Treasure Hunt," a groundbreaking book that combined poetry, paintings, and real buried treasures. This project demonstrated his belief that books could extend beyond their pages into the real world, creating lasting communities of engaged readers.
Personal Philosophy
"Publishing isn't just about putting words on paper. It's about creating experiences that connect people with ideas, with each other, and with the world around them. Every book should be an adventure."
Current Projects (2005)
- iBooks Expansion: Growing the digital publishing platform with major partnerships
- Educational Initiatives: Developing new learning tools for the digital age
- Community Building: Supporting treasure hunting and puzzle-solving communities worldwide
- Historical Research: Investigating connections between ancient mysteries and modern treasure hunting
Awards & Recognition
- World Fantasy Award for Best Anthology
- Hugo Award nominations for editorial work
- Pioneer in Digital Publishing (Publishers Weekly)
- Innovation in Educational Media Award
Personal Interests
Beyond publishing, Byron is passionate about history, archaeology, and the intersection of ancient mysteries with modern technology. He believes that understanding the past is crucial to navigating the future, and that the best stories are often hidden in plain sight.
When not working on publishing projects, Byron can be found researching historical puzzles, supporting treasure hunting communities, or exploring how new technologies can enhance storytelling experiences.
Contact Information
Professional Inquiries: info@bpreiss.com
Treasure Hunt Community: secret@bpreiss.com
Media Requests: media@bpreiss.com
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