Its not long before the editor is given a summary (7)
I believe the answer is:
briefed
'its not long before' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'editor is given a summary' is the wordplay.
'editor' becomes 'ed' (abbreviation).
'is given' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a summary' becomes 'brief' (brief is a kind of summary).
'ed' put after 'brief' is 'BRIEFED'.
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for briefed that I've seen before include "Instructed in advance" , "Informed of the facts" , "Advised or instructed, like barrister" , "Prepared" .)