The novel follows the lives of two main characters: Edwin Reardon, a once-successful author who is now struggling to make a living, and his rival, Jasper Milvain, a young and ambitious writer who will stop at nothing to achieve success. The novel delves into the harsh realities of the publishing industry, as Reardon and Milvain navigate the cut-throat world of literary London. Reardon, who is driven by a desire to create meaningful and truthful literature, is constantly thwarted by the commercial demands of publishers and the public's taste for sensationalism. Milvain, on the other hand, is willing to sacrifice his artistic integrity for the sake of fame and fortune.