diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/status.py b/bookwyrm/models/status.py
index 3949e09a9..fce69cae2 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/status.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/status.py
@@ -218,7 +218,8 @@ class Status(OrderedCollectionPageMixin, BookWyrmModel):
         """certain types of status aren't editable"""
         # first, the standard raise
         super().raise_not_editable(viewer)
-        if isinstance(self, (GeneratedNote, ReviewRating)):
+        # if it's an edit (not a create) you can only edit content statuses
+        if self.id and isinstance(self, (GeneratedNote, ReviewRating)):
             raise PermissionDenied()
 
     @classmethod