The editor has to pay attention (4)
I believe the answer is:
heed
'pay attention' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'the editor has' is the wordplay.
'has' indicates a hidden word.
'HEED' is hidden within 'the editor'.
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for heed that I've seen before include "Take notice of" , "Consider" , "Careful attention" , "Attend to, mind" , "Regard" .)