Problem with novel after cover's bent back (7)
I believe the answer is:
dilemma
'problem' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'novel after cover's bent back' is the wordplay.
'novel' becomes 'emma' (novel by Jane Austen).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'cover' becomes 'lid' (lid is a kind of cover).
'bent back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'lid' in reverse letter order is 'dil'.
'emma' put after 'dil' is 'DILEMMA'.
'with' is the link.
(Other definitions for dilemma that I've seen before include "Difficult problem" , "Dim male (anag.)" , "Problem (with horns?)" , "Predicament" , "Perplexing situation or difficult choice" .)