THE AUSTEN PATHWAY
For authors and creatives
We help authors and creatives become savvy business owners.
As an author or creative, you know your craft. But every successful creative needs more than just talent—you need the mindset, strategy and skills to create a sustainable creative business, and that’s where we come in.
The Austen Pathway is a unique space where literary heritage meets modern business skills. Work with Caroline Jane Knight (Austen descendant and international businesswoman) and Melissa Makarewicz (The Literary Assistant) to:
Build a solid foundation with our signature 6 Steps to a Sustainable Creative Business
Drive your sales with our Storytelling Framework
Turn social media platform shifts into your competitive advantage with our Social Media Trend Report and workshops
Join The Austen Pathway today for US$10 per month for carefully curated content, tools, insights and a supportive community of fellow creatives. Join our workshops, courses and work direct with us when you need personalised support.
Let us help you build a thriving creative business!
Jane Austen was an independent woman and took control of her own business. Her independent spirit shines through in her characters, especially Elizabeth Bennet.
Jane Austen built her legacy on both artistic talent and business acumen and is one of the most successful authors of all time.
The Austen Pathway is the only program that combines Jane Austen's legacy of creative independence with modern business strategy.
Created by Two Women Who Know Your Journey
Caroline Jane Knight - Jane Austen's fifth great-niece from Chawton (where Jane lived and wrote) and international business leader who combines Jane Austen’s legacy of creative independence and modern business strategy to drive her own business success. Former CEO, award-winning marketer, author and founder of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
Melissa Makarewicz - Known as 'The Literary Assistant,' Melissa has helped countless authors turn their books into profitable businesses. Her expertise in author marketing and social media has supported New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors.
Featured in:
New to The Austen Pathway?
Join The Austen Pathway for US$10 per month for carefully curated content to help you build a sustainable creative business, to receive our monthly Social Media Trends Report and join a supportive community with Caroline, Melissa and fellow creatives.
Join Caroline and Melissa for everything you need to thrive:
Join The Pathway
For US$10 a month access thoughtfully curated content, tools and insights from Caroline and Melissa, and join our community of fellow creatives.
Group Workshops
Join our group workshops to put your learning into practice. Live Q&A sessions to answer your questions and set you on the right path.
Development Courses
Take a course for a deep dive and structured learning to help you master your skills and mindset. Our courses are designed to fit into your busy schedule.
1-on-1 Coaching
Work one-on-one with Caroline or Melissa, for dedicated focus on you and your business, with tailored recommendations, strategies and action plans.
Audits & Feedback
Use our audit service for personalised feedback about your current marketing and social media. Ensure your current strategies are helping, not hindering, your progress.
Your Foundation for Creative Independence
With our signature learning models and unique insights, we help you build the complete foundation your creative business needs to thrive while ensuring your work reaches its audience by harnessing your storytelling to drive sales.
Mindset: Develop the confidence, resilience and the success driven mindset of an entrepreneur
Strategy: Master the business principles that turn your art into a sustainable career
Skills: Learn essential business skills. Master the marketing and social media techniques that sell your work.
Insights: Social media trends, business insights and our personal experiences.
A bit more 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 with over 2000 employees
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
Like Jane Austen, authors and creatives are small business owners.
You wanted to be an author or creative and found yourself running a small business. Sound familiar?
Like all entrepreneurs, you need a range of business and marketing skills to build and grow a successful and sustainable creative business. Working alone, 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. The internet is overflowing with advice, communities and training to sort through. It can be overwhelming on your own—but it doesn’t need to be.
Powered by Jane Austen, Caroline Jane Knight and Melissa Makarewicz, The Austen Pathway gives authors and creatives trusted, comprehensive development and support—so you can reach your full potential.
