Crossword Genius

What’s a person expected to do, cancelling old children’s author? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nesbit

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'author?' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Edwardian author' mean 'nesbit' so perhaps 'author' could also mean 'nesbit')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nesbit that I've seen before include "Edwardian author" , "Children's writer" , "Edith --, author of The Railway Children" , "Lady novelist" , "Edith ---, wrote Railway Children" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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