Victorian publishing refers to the book production and distribution practices during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. This era saw a significant increase in literacy rates and the rise of the middle class, leading to a growing demand for literature. Publishers began to produce a wide range of genres, including novels, poetry, and periodicals, often in serialized formats to attract readers. Key figures in Victorian publishing included authors like Charles Dickens and George Eliot, who gained popularity through serialized stories in magazines. The introduction of technologies such as the steam-powered printing press also made books more affordable and accessible, contributing to the literary boom of the time.