Crossword Genius

Dreadful book promotion? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bad

'dreadful' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'book promotion?' is the wordplay.
'book' becomes 'b' (abbreviation for book).
'promotion?' becomes 'ad' (short for advert).
'b'+'ad'='BAD'

(Other definitions for bad that I've seen before include "SECOND HALF OF 16" , "Ill" , "Spoiled or evil" , "Harmful" , "Wicked" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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