diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 26db2f3..3064b98 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -15,12 +15,12 @@ Usage
 
 This README intentionally keeps surface area small while documenting how to extend for a production-grade setup.
 
-## Publishing Readiness
+-## Publishing Readiness
 
 - All tests pass (pytest) and packaging checks succeed via test.sh, which also validates Python packaging metadata.
 - This MVP includes core components: CatOpt bridge, Energi bridge, GoC bridge, a minimal DSL sketch, contract registry, and reference adapters.
 - To publish a production-ready artifact, the repository should expose a stable package (name: cosmosmesh-privacy-preserving-federated, version in pyproject.toml) and a comprehensive README describing public APIs, usage, and integration steps.
-- Next step for publishing: create an empty READY_TO_PUBLISH flag file at the repo root to signal readiness once all requirements are satisfied.
+- Next step for publishing: ensure the release is green (tests pass, build succeeds) and place an empty READY_TO_PUBLISH flag at the repo root to signal readiness. The publishing pipeline will detect this file as a go/no-go signal.
 
 ## EnergiBridge & CatOpt Interop (Extra MVP guidance)