People like Charles Dickens books.

The first publisher to get a hold of one would have a massive advantage.

Publisher pays Charles Dickens to only provide his newest work to them. Many publishers want this privilege, there is a bidding war.

Publisher sells millions in the first week, eventually other publishers get in on the action but it takes time to typeset, print and ship the books. The book is the talk of the town, consumers want one now.

Publishing house doesn't make outsized profits years after the authors death and instead has to compete on the quailty of its publishing in the free market.

Rent seeker has to get a factory job or dies. The market is brimming with high quailty editions of each authors work available to everyone at a price point they can afford.