Crossword Genius

What the editor has to pay? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

heed

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'pay?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'what the editor has' is the wordplay.
'has' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'HEED' is hidden within 'what the editor'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for heed that I've seen before include "Take to heart" , "Take notice of" , "Observe" , "Regard" , "Listen to carefully" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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