What does the cryptic crossword clue "Better message initially lacking in US author (6)" mean?

The definition is "author". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. CAP (synonym of "Better") + NOTE (synonym of "message") [beheading: "initially lacking"]; definition: "US author" The answer is Capote.

Better message initially lacking in US author (6)

Telegraph Prize Cryptic #3074 | 1 Across | 2020-09-20 flower

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