Frank Riley was the pen name of Frank Ryhlick, an American science fiction writer, journalist, and editor active during the mid-twentieth century. Born in 1915, Riley built a multifaceted career in communication, working across journalism, advertising, radio, and fiction. He is most famous in literary circles for his contributions to science fiction, particularly during the genre's post-war expansion.
Riley's most notable literary achievement came in collaboration with Mark Clifton. Together, they co-authored the science fiction novel They'd Rather Be Right. First serialized in Astounding Science Fiction and later published as a book, the novel won the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1955. Beyond his science fiction novels, Riley also wrote short fiction, including a series of mystery stories featuring the character Father Anton Dymek.
In addition to his creative writing, Riley was a prominent figure in Southern California media. He served as an editor for Los Angeles Magazine and worked as a syndicated travel columnist and editor for the Los Angeles Times. His diverse professional output also included writing screenplays, hosting a local radio program in the Los Angeles area, and crafting advertisements for the confectionery company See's Candies. Riley passed away in 1996.
