diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/custom_column_widgets.py b/src/calibre/gui2/custom_column_widgets.py
index 76fdc62d68..654a9f4b5b 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/custom_column_widgets.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/custom_column_widgets.py
@@ -349,7 +349,8 @@ class Text(Base):
         return d.exec_()
 
     def edit(self):
-        if self.getter() != self.initial_val:
+        if (self.getter() != self.initial_val and (self.getter() or
+            self.initial_val)):
             d = self._save_dialog(self.parent, _('Values changed'),
                     _('You have changed the values. In order to use this '
                        'editor, you must either discard or apply these '