Writer holds note for groom (5)
I believe the answer is:
preen
'for groom' is the definition.
(a bird grooms itself by preening feathers)
'writer holds note' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'note' could be 're' (as in do-re-mi) and 're' is located in the answer.
'writer' could be 'pen' (something which writes) and 'pen' is located in the leftover letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for preen that I've seen before include "Groom with elaborate care" , "Groom with great care" , "demonstrate pride" , "Primp" , "Clean with the beak" .)