We received a press release from Jane Austen’s Regency World magazine stating that author and Austen expert Maggie Lane has been appointed Consultant Editor of the magazine, with responsibility for “advising on content, pursuing new themes and identifying new writers for the magazine.” We think this is great news, and have been pleased to observe the continuing evolution of the magazine since Tim Bullamore became publisher. Also check out the new website, which reflects the magazine’s new look. (And if you’re a member of one of the JA societies around the world, you may have received a sample copy of the magazine with the link for getting your member discount. Or you can just click on the link in the previous sentence. Shhhh.) Full text of the press release after the jump.

Maggie Lane, the highly-respected author and commentator on Jane Austen, has been appointed Consultant Editor of Jane Austen’s Regency World.

Her brief will include advising on content, pursuing new themes and identifying new writers for the magazine. Day-to-day editorial responsibility remains with Tim Bullamore, the Publisher.

The magazine also has a new website, offering sample articles and details of how to subscribe and advertise.

Maggie, whose books include Jane Austen’s World, Jane Austen and Food and The Immortal Jane Austen said: “Ever since its inception I have enjoyed reading and writing for the magazine. Now I look forward to working with Tim and helping it to go from strength to strength. Jane Austen and her world are of endless fascination for so many readers today and there is still so much left to explore.” Maggie lives in Exeter, England.

Tim said: “Maggie had already given us some outstanding insights into Jane Austen and the Regency era. I am delighted that she is becoming even more closely involved with the magazine.”

Jane Austen’s Regency World, the official magazine of the Jane Austen Centre, Bath, is published six times a year by Lansdown Media Ltd, which acquired it from the Austen Centre in July 2008. The next issue is published on May 1, 2009.

The new website is at http://www.janeaustenmagazine.co.uk