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