diff --git a/src/rard/research/forms.py b/src/rard/research/forms.py
index c99d7cb7..4db5da4b 100644
--- a/src/rard/research/forms.py
+++ b/src/rard/research/forms.py
@@ -636,7 +636,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         # work to the original text instance in the view
         self.set_citing_work_required(True)
         self.fields["content"].widget.attrs["class"] = "enableCKEditor"
-        if original_text.apparatus_criticus_items.count() > 0:
+        if original_text and original_text.apparatus_criticus_items.count() > 0:
             self.fields["content"].widget.attrs["class"] += " enableApparatusCriticus"
 
     def set_citing_work_required(self, required):