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' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'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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