Before joining Britannica he worked as a newspaper reporter and copy editor, an English teacher, and public relations director for U.S.

In 1957, he was hired by William Benton, publisher of Britannica, as secretary to the board of editors.

The 15th edition was a major change in the encyclopedia, and Preece was an important figure in its development.

He was coauthor of The Technological Order (1962) and a contributor to Britannica, notably on the topic of higher education.

[2] He was also associated with the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions in Santa Barbara, California.