diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/user.py b/bookwyrm/models/user.py
index f137236c0..bbeb10ccb 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/user.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/user.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import re
 from urllib.parse import urlparse
 
 from django.apps import apps
-from django.contrib.auth.models import AbstractUser
+from django.contrib.auth.models import AbstractUser, Group
 from django.core.validators import MinValueValidator
 from django.db import models
 from django.utils import timezone
@@ -208,6 +208,13 @@ class User(OrderedCollectionPageMixin, AbstractUser):
         # an id needs to be set before we can proceed with related models
         super().save(*args, **kwargs)
 
+        # make users editors by default
+        try:
+            self.groups.add(Group.objects.get(name='editor'))
+        except Group.DoesNotExist:
+            # this should only happen in tests
+            pass
+
         # create keys and shelves for new local users
         self.key_pair = KeyPair.objects.create(
             remote_id='%s/#main-key' % self.remote_id)