Early news from a rare book sale (5,7)
I believe the answer is:
first edition
'a rare book sale' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'early news' is the wordplay.
'early' becomes 'first' (associated in meaning).
'news' becomes 'edition' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'first'+'edition'='FIRST EDITION'
'from' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for first edition that I've seen before include "Collectible book" , "Initial printing (of a book)" .)