Attributes to the writer, while about it (8)
I believe the answer is:
ascribes
'attributes' is the definition.
('ascribe' can be a synonym of 'attribute')
'the writer while about it' is the wordplay.
'the writer' becomes 'scribe' (scribe is a kind of writer).
'while' becomes 'as' (eg 'while I walked' means 'as I walked').
'about it' indicates putting letters inside (some letters go around or about others).
'scribe' inserted within 'as' is 'ASCRIBES'.
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for ascribes that I've seen before include "Attributes, regards as belonging to" , "Attributes to, credits with" , "Attributes or assigns" , "Attributes (to) -- rib cases (anag)" , "Attributes, regards as originated by" .)