diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/book.py b/bookwyrm/models/book.py
index a6b2774d..5dece504 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/book.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/book.py
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ class Book(ActivitypubMixin, BookWyrmModel):
     def edition_info(self):
         ''' properties of this edition, as a string '''
         items = [
-            self.physical_format,
+            self.physical_format if hasattr(self, 'physical_format') else None,
             self.languages[0] + ' language' if self.languages and \
                     self.languages[0] != 'English' else None,
             str(self.published_date.year) if self.published_date else None,