Lincoln, Neb. - July 9, 2003 - iUniverse, one of the largest publishers in the United States, announced today the appointment of Susan Driscoll as President and Chief Executive Officer. Driscoll has more than 20 years of publishing industry experience, including roles as Chief Operating Officer and President with publishers under the Holtzbrinck Publishers group, as well as executive roles with HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., and Holt, Rinehart and Winston. "This is an amazing time to be joining iUniverse," says Driscoll. "With the recent introduction of the iUniverse Roadmap to Publishing Success™, the company is truly redefining the role that publishers play in helping authors to chart their career paths. I look forward to the opportunity to build on iUniverse's achievements." iUniverse's interim President and CEO Kimra Hawley, who led the search culminating in Ms. Driscoll's appointment, says that Driscoll's industry background and marketing expertise are an ideal fit for her role at iUniverse. "Susan's highly successful career in publishing and her vision for the industry are perfect for guiding iUniverse to new levels of success," says Hawley. "Her passion for developing talented, undiscovered authors is a great fit for our mission." Ms. Hawley will remain on the company's Board of Directors. Barnes and Noble Chief Executive Officer and iUniverse Director Steve Riggio says that Driscoll's traditional publishing background is a real asset. "Susan has extensive experience in traditional publishing and sees that iUniverse is filling a unique and important role in the industry. iUniverse's method for identifying promising new authors and bringing them to market benefits authors, traditional publishers, booksellers, and readers. We're very pleased that Susan has joined the company." The iUniverse Roadmap to Publishing Success is a step-by-step process to help authors succeed by progressing through a series of clearly defined achievements, or "milestones." The Roadmap includes: an Editorial Review process to enhance the book's quality and salability; a Readers Choice program for authors whose books meet quality and preliminary sales goals; and the Star Program for authors whose books meet higher sales goals and demonstrate exceptional market potential. The most successful Star authors qualify for assistance in moving on to even greater levels of success, such as submission to the Barnes & Noble in-store book placement program and introductions to traditional publishers.