Writer of a clever news piece? (5)

I believe the answer is:

verne

'writer' is the definition.
(Jules Verne, 1828-1905)

'of a clever news piece?' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'VERNE' can be found hidden inside 'clever news piece'.

(Other definitions for verne that I've seen before include "See 14 Across" , "Jules, auther of Around the World in 80 Days" , "French novelist" , "Jules --, French author" , "Jules --, French writer" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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