The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word NOVELIZE
N
O
V
E
L
I
Z
E
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NOVELIZE mean?
NOVELIZE verb- To adapt something to a fictional form, especially to adapt into a novel.
- To innovate.