THE AUSTEN PATHWAY

For authors and creatives

 

Learn the business, marketing and mindset skills to increase your sales and create your own success.

Your path, your way

THE AUSTEN PATHWAY

Jane Austen was an independent woman and one of the most successful authors of all time. Her independent spirit shines through in her characters, especially Elizabeth Bennet.

Inspired by Jane’s path to success, we empower authors and creatives to gain the confidence, skills, and support they need to increase sales and achieve their own success and independence.

The Austen Pathway was founded by Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s fifth great-niece, an international business leader, entrepreneur, and author, along with Melissa Makarewicz, business owner, content creator and social media expert known as ‘The Literary Assistant’.


A bit about us…

CAROLINE JANE KNIGHT - Jane Austen’s Niece

Caroline is the fifth great niece of Jane Austen and the last of Jane’s nieces to grow up at Chawton House on her family’s ancestral estate where Jane herself lived and wrote. At 18, Caroline left Chawton and forged her own path, building a distinguished international career in marketing and business as a CEO, director, entrepreneur and published author.

  • Former CEO of a large marketing and events company

  • Gold Award recipient at the UK Field Marketing Awards

  • Honorary life fellow of the Australian Institute of Management

  • Finalist in the prestigious Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Awards

  • Founder and chair of The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation

  • Author of Jane & Me: My Austen Heritage

  • Founder of The Greyfriar Group; training, developing and coaching business professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives since 2013

MELISSA MAKAREWICZ - aka ‘The Literary Assistant’

With over 15 years of experience in corporate marketing, sales, and author support, Melissa is dedicated to empowering authors to build their publishing business through strategic marketing, social media growth, and confidence-building.

  • Business owner and entrepreneur

  • Author assistant, specialising in marketing, social media and community building

  • Social Media Manager for New York Times, USA Today and Amazon best-selling authors

  • Social Media Manager for History Through Fiction publishing

  • Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Community Manager (volunteer)

  • Certified Business and Confidence Coach

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How we help authors and creatives

Whether you want to learn the mindset, marketing and business skills to create your own path to success as an author or creative, or simply increase your sales, we are here to help.

Increase Your Sales:

With our unique ‘Think, Apply, Perfect’ development framework, we help you unlock new opportunities to grow your sales, streamline your efforts, and achieve short, medium and long-term success. Here’s how we can support you:

  • Master Your Publishing, Marketing, and Social Media
    Learn time-efficient strategies that simplify the process of reaching your audience, promoting your work, and growing your business—without the overwhelm.

  • Analyze, Innovate and Scale Your Business
    Gain clarity on your goals and discover actionable ways to innovate, refine your strategies, and scale your business to the next level.

  • Feedback and suggestions for your plan and contents
    Audits, individual feedback and coaching to give you confidence, polish your learnings and increase your sales.

Create your own Path to Success:

With The Austen Pathway's signature personal and professional development framework, you will learn the mindset, marketing and business skills you need. Whether you want to customize your journey or follow our expert guidance, we’re here to help you succeed on your terms.

  • Manage Your Mindset
    Build confidence, manage stress, and cultivate a success-driven mindset. Develop the resilience you need to stay productive and implement your plans, even in challenging times.

  • Be True To Yourself
    Define your unique goals, values, and style to build a personal compass that reflects who you truly are. By understanding yourself, you’ll discover how and where to show up as your best self, creating genuine connections that inspire and engage your audience.

  • Think Strategically
    Strengthen your critical thinking and decision-making skills to create innovative strategies that drive meaningful progress and deliver results. Develop actionable plans with attainable goals that keep you focused every step of the journey.

  • Polish Your Skills
    Master essential business skills, including publishing, marketing, and social media, with time-saving tools and strategies designed to work for you.

  • Connect With Others
    Enhance your communication skills to connect authentically and grow your audience. Cultivate a supportive network that empowers you and accelerates your journey toward success.

  • Reflect and Perfect
    Leverage data and feedback to refine your strategies. Learn how to innovate and adapt to maximize your growth and returns.

Your path, your Way

Whether you're just starting out or looking to reach the next level, The Austen Pathway gives you the tools, guidance, and support to create a life of purpose, success and independence.

 
I must keep to my own style and go on in my own way
— Jane Austen, letter to Rev Clarke, 1816
 

Ready to take the next step?

Join Caroline and Melissa and gain access to everything you need to thrive:

  • Learn from Our Experience: Get exclusive insights through thoughtfully curated content delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Workshops and Coaching: Access hands-on learning and personalized support to help you reach your goals.

  • Stay Ahead of the Curve: Receive our one-of-a-kind monthly social media trend report to navigate algorithms and grow your audience with confidence.

  • Join a Supportive Community: Connect with fellow authors and creatives who understand your journey and are here to cheer you on.

  • Tap Into Our Networks: Gain access to our extensive connections in the book and business worlds.

  • Encouragement and Tools to Succeed: With our cheer squad by your side, you’ll have the resources and motivation to stay focused and on track.

Let’s grow your success together—come join us!

Coming JANUARY 2025! Subscribe for FREE to be the first to know when we launch.

Previously available only to private clients, The Austen Pathway is now open to everyone. Join a supportive community designed to help you discover your unique path to success and thrive both personally and professionally.


Like Jane Austen, authors and creatives often work independently

Whether you're writing, publishing or marketing your books, running an online business, or managing a side hustle, working alone can sometimes feel isolating. It’s easy to miss out on personal and professional growth, the camaraderie of a team, and the accountability needed to stay focused and productive each day.

While the internet is overflowing with advice, communities, and training, sorting through it all can be overwhelming and leave you unsure where to turn. That’s where The Austen Pathway comes in. We provide authors and creatives with trusted, comprehensive development and support—so you can stop navigating alone and start thriving.