diff --git a/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb b/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
index c16735c00..36985fc50 100644
--- a/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
+++ b/features/support/publishing_cuke_helpers.rb
@@ -4,11 +4,13 @@ module PublishingCukeHelpers
   end
 
   def append_to_publisher(txt, input_selector='#status_message_fake_text')
-    elem = find(input_selector)
-    elem.native.send_key(" #{txt}")
+    status_message_text = find("#status_message_text", visible: false).value
+    find(input_selector).native.send_key(" #{txt}")
 
     # make sure the other text field got the new contents
-    expect(find("#status_message_text", visible: false)).to have_value txt
+    if input_selector == "#status_message_fake_text"
+      expect(page).to have_selector("#status_message_text[value='#{status_message_text} #{txt}']", visible: false)
+    end
   end
 
   def upload_file_with_publisher(path)