Crossword Genius

Novel she ’as out? That’s about right! (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

authoress

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'novel she' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

''as out? that's about right' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'about' could be 're' (regarding) and 're' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for authoress that I've seen before include "Female writer" , "Agatha Christie, perhaps" , "Christie possibly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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