diff --git a/src/calibre/devices/interface.py b/src/calibre/devices/interface.py
index 56c950bd16..ad21632a50 100644
--- a/src/calibre/devices/interface.py
+++ b/src/calibre/devices/interface.py
@@ -518,3 +518,9 @@ class BookList(list):
         '''
         raise NotImplementedError()
 
+    def prepare_addable_books(self, paths):
+        '''
+        Given a list of paths, returns another list of paths. These paths
+        point to addable versions of the books.
+        '''
+        return paths
diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/add.py b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/add.py
index 08385f4f3f..dc709f221e 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/add.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/add.py
@@ -397,6 +397,7 @@ class AddAction(InterfaceAction):
             d = error_dialog(self.gui, _('Add to library'), _('No book files found'))
             d.exec_()
             return
+        paths = self.gui.device_manager.device.prepare_addable_books(paths)
         from calibre.gui2.add import Adder
         self.__adder_func = partial(self._add_from_device_adder, on_card=None,
                                                     model=view.model())