This writer involved in craftier novel, not a great (8)

I believe the answer is:

terrific

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'a great' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for terrific that I've seen before include "Splendid" , "Extraordinarily great or good" , "Very intense" , "Marvellous, tremendous" , "Brilliant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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