diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/template_dialog.py b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/template_dialog.py
index 6c9a154d10..b218c001a9 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/template_dialog.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/template_dialog.py
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ def __init__(self, parent, text, mi=None, fm=None, color_field=None,
         cols = []
         if fm is not None:
             for key in sorted(displayable_columns(fm),
-                              key=lambda k: sort_key(fm[k]['name']) if k != color_row_key else 0):
+                              key=lambda k: sort_key(fm[k]['name'] if k != color_row_key else 0)):
                 if key == color_row_key and not self.coloring:
                     continue
                 from calibre.gui2.preferences.coloring import all_columns_string