diff --git a/docs/releasing.md b/docs/releasing.md
index c532d0663..597423296 100644
--- a/docs/releasing.md
+++ b/docs/releasing.md
@@ -84,8 +84,10 @@ registry metadata or changelog disagrees with that version before creating a tag
 
 ### Compatibility and version selection
 
-For the 6.2 candidate, review the [6.1 to 6.2 migration guide](migration-6.2.md)
-alongside the changelog before publication.
+Before publishing a candidate, review its changelog's breaking changes and the
+migration notes for the release being prepared. The
+[6.1 to 6.2 migration guide](migration-6.2.md) records that release's changes;
+it is a historical reference, not the compatibility checklist for later releases.
 
 REA uses Release Please's `always-bump-minor` strategy: every release increments
 minor and resets patch, including releases with breaking changes. For example,