diff --git a/src/calibre/srv/auto_reload.py b/src/calibre/srv/auto_reload.py
index 46e8c2c04f..9c4ed66e0f 100644
--- a/src/calibre/srv/auto_reload.py
+++ b/src/calibre/srv/auto_reload.py
@@ -217,6 +217,7 @@ class Worker(object):
         try:
             compile_srv()
         except EnvironmentError:
+            time.sleep(0.1)
             compile_srv()  # Happens if the editor deletes and replaces a file being edited
         self.p = subprocess.Popen(self.cmd, creationflags=getattr(subprocess, 'CREATE_NEW_PROCESS_GROUP', 0))