The official date of release is not until January 12, so you might not be able to find it in your local bookstore (though our understanding is that book release dates are rather fluid in most cases), but we noticed that Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating by Lauren Henderson is available to purchase on Amazon.

Written Voices Radio has an excerpt from the book and we are informed that an audio interview with the author will be posted there soon.

The Editrix was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of the book and will be posting a longer review in the next day or so. (We liked it, more than we expected to, frankly, and want to go out for tea or perhaps something stronger with Ms. Henderson.) In the meantime, here is some information from the publisher.

Ever lost the man of your dreams because you listened to the unwise, incredibly ridiculous advice of your lovable but relationship inept friends? Witty and intelligent writer Lauren Henderson almost did. But then she decided to listen to the master.

Jane Austen has millions of fans who read her novels voraciously, and inhale the movies with equal gusto. Now, for the first time, her legendary dating wisdom is culled into a prescriptive guide. JANE AUSTEN’S GUIDE TO DATING (Hyperion Books; January 12, 2005; Paperback Original: $12.00), by Lauren Henderson, is a clever and fun handbook that applies simple and classic Austen principles to the contemporary dating world. Whether you read the books, watch the movies, or just want commonsense dating advice, Henderson’s guide is a refreshing change from the typical dating book.

Each chapter gives examples from the novels along with modern-day illustrations and tips from Henderson herself. Inspired by the characters and lessons in Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and others, Lauren Henderson shows how honesty, self-awareness, and forthrightness will always win the right man – and allow you to respect yourself.

At the end of the book take a quiz to find out which Jane Austen character you – and your love interest – most resemble. Armed with this knowledge, you can learn what to do if you’re a Lizzy, but the object of your affection is a Bingley. You can even find out how to gain the clearheadedness and confidence that Anne Elliot had and almost lost in Persuasion.

The Jane Austen Principles of Dating include:

*If you like someone, make it clear that you do!
“In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels. Bingley likes your sister, undoubtedly; but he may never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.” –Pride and Prejudice
*Don’t play games or lead people on
“How could he tell what mischief he might be doing? –How could he tell that he might not be making me in love with him? –very wrong, very wrong indeed.” –Emma
*If your lover needs a reprimand, let him have it!
“I always hoped you would tell me, if you thought I was doing wrong.” –Northanger Abbey
*Be prepared to wait for the right person to come along
“It is a period, indeed! Eight years and a half is a period!” –Persuasion

Completely different than any dating guide you’ve ever read – and far more helpful – JANE AUSTEN’S GUIDE TO DATING will enable readers to quit playing games, find good candidates for lasting relationships, and ultimately enrapture the perfect mate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Henderson is a founding voice of the “tart noir” mystery genre and is the author of numerous novels, including My Lurid Past and the Sam Jones detective series (Black Rubber Dress, among others). She was raised in London and currently resides in New York, where she is happily dating a Henry Tilney.

We think the last sentence amply explains Ms. Henderson’s qualifications to write such a book.