Sin and Sensation

By the 1860s, publishing opportunities for women were expanding as never before. Much of this expansion arose from the growing dominance of the novel. In 1825, only around 25 new novels were published in Great Britain; by 1850, the total was about 100; by 1864, it was more than 300; and in 1874, 644 new novels appeared.

Thanks to new developments in publishing–such as publication in parts, cheap one-volume reprints, and subscription circulating libraries–a successful novelist might now command a huge audience. And since novels lacked the high-cultural status that would have made entrée into the field difficult for them, an increasing number of women were encouraged to try their hands at writing a best seller.

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