diff --git a/main.py b/main.py
index 5266f25..ded4065 100644
--- a/main.py
+++ b/main.py
@@ -643,7 +643,7 @@ def new_book():
                         newbsl=Book_Series_Link( book_id=book.id, series_id=s.series_id, book_num=max_bn+1 )
                         db.session.add(newbsl)
                 db.session.commit()
-            if message == None:
+            if message == "":
                 st.SetMessage( "Created new Book ({})".format(book.title) )
             else:
                 st.SetAlert("warning")
@@ -840,7 +840,7 @@ def book(id):
                     s.calcd_rating = CalcAvgRating(s.id)
                     cnt=cnt+1
             db.session.commit()
-            if message == None:
+            if message == "":
                 st.SetMessage( f"Successfully Updated Book (id={id})" )
             else:
                 st.SetAlert("warning")