"I Must Keep to My Own Style": Jane Austen's Timeless Advice for Today's Authors
Hello my writing friends, Caroline here!
In a letter to James Stanier Clarke, the Prince Regent's librarian, Jane Austen penned one of her most revealing statements about artistic integrity: "No, I must keep to my own style and go on in my own way; and though I may never succeed again in that, I am convinced that I should totally fail in any other."
This powerful declaration came in response to Clarke's suggestion that she write "a historical romance illustrative of the history of the august House of Cobourg", essentially asking Jane to abandon her distinctive style to write something more aligned with royal interests. Jane's polite but firm refusal reveals a profound truth that resonates just as strongly for today's authors as it did for her over two centuries ago.
In an era when women writers often published anonymously or under male pseudonyms, when the literary landscape was dominated by Gothic romances and sentimental novels, Jane Austen chose authenticity. She didn't chase trends or imitate the bestsellers of her day. Instead, she refined her unique voice; witty, observant, and subtly revolutionary in its portrayal of ordinary life and complex female characters.
Today's publishing landscape might seem worlds apart from Jane's time, yet authors face remarkably similar pressures. The temptation to follow trends, mimic successful authors, or contort one's natural voice to fit market expectations remains powerful.
Just as Jane faced pressure from a person of influence to write something more commercially appealing or prestigious, modern authors receive countless suggestions about what they "should" be writing. Write in this popular genre. Follow this trending structure. Add more of this element that's selling well right now.
Social media amplifies these pressures, constantly showcasing others' successes and creating the illusion that there's a "right way" to be an author. TikTok trends, Instagram aesthetics, and Twitter threads all seem to demand conformity, leaving many writers wondering if their natural style is marketable enough.
Yet the lesson from Jane Austen's career is crystal clear: your greatest strength lies in your authentic voice, both in your writing and how you present yourself to the world.
Jane's commitment to her style wasn't about stubbornness or inflexibility. She actively refined her craft, revised extensively, and learned from criticism. Her "own style" evolved significantly from her juvenile writings to her published novels.
For today's authors, "keeping to your own style" means:
Recognizing your authentic voice: Understanding the themes, perspectives, and storytelling approaches that naturally resonate with you
Refining rather than replacing: Polishing your natural tendencies rather than abandoning them in favour of whatever is trending
Building on your strengths: Leveraging what makes your work distinctive instead of focusing exclusively on perceived weaknesses
Making conscious choices: Intentionally deciding which conventions serve your vision and which don't
As Jane's fifth great-niece who grew up at Chawton House where Jane wrote her most famous works, I know first-hand how Jane's unwavering commitment to authenticity created a legacy that has endured for more than two centuries. Jane didn't have the benefit of writing courses or marketing strategies. What she had was a clear sense of her voice and the courage to use it, even when it diverged from what was popular. That authenticity is what makes her work timeless.
Authenticity in Author Marketing
This principle extends beyond writing into how we present ourselves and our work to potential readers. Jane Austen didn't have social media or a website, but she did make conscious choices about how her books were positioned in the marketplace and how she engaged with readers and literary figures of her time.
The pressure to perform as an author, to create the perfect Instagram aesthetic, master TikTok, or build an elaborate author platform, can feel overwhelming. Many authors find themselves trying to be something they're not, mimicking strategies that worked for others without considering if those approaches align with their natural strengths and preferences.
What if, like Jane, we gave ourselves permission to "keep to our own style" in our marketing as well as our writing?
This doesn't mean ignoring the business side of authorship or refusing to learn new skills. It means approaching marketing as an authentic extension of your creative work rather than a separate performance.
For instance, if you're naturally thoughtful and prefer deep conversations to quick social media posts, perhaps your marketing focus should be on newsletters, podcasts, or in-depth blog articles rather than rapid-fire content creation across multiple platforms.
If you're visually creative and think in images, maybe Instagram or visual platforms will feel more authentic than text-heavy approaches.
The key is alignment between who you are as a writer and how you present yourself to potential readers.
Perhaps the most powerful truth is this: readers are drawn to authenticity. They can sense when an author is imitating someone else or following a formula rather than writing from a place of genuine passion and purpose.
Jane Austen's readers didn't just fall in love with her plots or characters; they fell in love with her voice and her particular way of seeing and describing the world. That authentic voice created an intimate connection with readers that has spanned centuries.
Today's readers are no different. In a world saturated with content, authenticity cuts through the noise. Readers don't just want another book that follows a popular trend; they want your book, written in your voice, marketed in a way that genuinely reflects who you are.
As Jane knew, there's no shortcut to finding and embracing your authentic voice. It requires self-awareness, courage, and often, the willingness to ignore well-meaning advice that doesn't align with your vision. But the reward, connecting with readers who truly resonate with your work, makes the journey worthwhile.
So as you navigate the complex world of writing and publishing, remember Jane's wise words: "I must keep to my own style and go on in my own way." Your authentic voice isn't just good enough; it's your greatest strength.
Caroline
This article is part of our ongoing series exploring how Jane Austen's approach to her writing career offers timeless wisdom for today's authors.
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A great way to remind oneself not to grab at every opportunity or try to be someone else. "I must keep to my own style." As I like to say, that's one to stitch onto a pillow!
This is refreshing. I’ve been thinking about this concept for a while. It’s nice to ride about Jane’s authenticity.