diff --git a/fanficfare/translit.py b/fanficfare/translit.py
index 096ccff2..ec05d738 100644
--- a/fanficfare/translit.py
+++ b/fanficfare/translit.py
@@ -2,6 +2,10 @@
 # Code taken from http://python.su/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=66946
 from __future__ import absolute_import
 
+# py2 vs py3 transition
+from .six import text_type as unicode
+from .six import ensure_text
+
 import unicodedata
 def is_syllable(letter):
     syllables = ("A", "E", "I", "O", "U", "a", "e", "i", "o", "u")
@@ -39,7 +43,7 @@ def romanize(letter):
         return func(filter(is_consonant, unid))
 def translit(text):
     output = ""
-    for letter in text:
+    for letter in ensure_text(text):
         output += romanize(letter)
     return output
 #def main():