diff --git a/bookwyrm/migrations/0046_reviewrating.py b/bookwyrm/migrations/0046_reviewrating.py
index 26f6f36a6..d09da376c 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/migrations/0046_reviewrating.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/migrations/0046_reviewrating.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def convert_review_rating(app_registry, schema_editor):
             cursor,
             """
 INSERT INTO bookwyrm_reviewrating(review_ptr_id)
-VALUES %s""",
+VALUES %s""".encode(),
             values,
         )