Riveting place for novel launch (8)
I believe the answer is:
shipyard
This clue might be a double definition.
'riveting place' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.
'novel launch' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for shipyard that I've seen before include "Place where vessels are built" , "Naval construction site" , "What might have a slipway" , "Marine constructors" , "birthplace of Queen Elizabeth?" .)