In the initial years of development, the poor were excluded from reading novels as they were too expensive for them to afford. But soon, people had easier access to books with the introduction of circulating libraries in 1740. Technological improvements in printing brought down the price of books and innovation in marketing led to expanded sales. As result, poor people also joined the readership of novels, as a large number of circulating libraries were introduced which enable the poor people easier and greater access to books.

In France books were rented on hourly payments which enabled poor people to afford them without actually buying them. In rural areas, people would collect to hear one reading the book aloud, often become involved in the lives of the characters.