diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a6179db..1cd1483 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -35,6 +35,9 @@ vp run test
 
 ## Release
 
+See [RELEASE.md](RELEASE.md) for the full release checklist and versioning
+contract.
+
 ```bash
 vp run release:patch
 vp run release:minor
diff --git a/RELEASE.md b/RELEASE.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2338a26
--- /dev/null
+++ b/RELEASE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+# Release Process
+
+This repository publishes a Rust core crate plus JavaScript packages generated
+from the Node and WASM bindings.
+
+## Versioning
+
+- Keep `Cargo.toml` workspace version as the source of truth.
+- Keep npm package versions synchronized with the workspace version.
+- Use semver for public behavior changes, including Rust API, Node API, WASM API,
+  wire-format behavior, and supported platform changes.
+- Treat pre-1.0 minor releases as compatibility boundaries.
+
+## Dry Run
+
+Preview a version bump without writing files or creating a tag:
+
+```bash
+vp run release:patch -- --dry-run --no-tag
+```
+
+Use `minor`, `alpha`, or `beta` for the corresponding release line.
+
+## Release Checklist
+
+Run the full CI-equivalent check from a clean worktree:
+
+```bash
+vp install
+vp run fmt -- --check
+vp run lint
+vp run check
+vp run test
+vp run build:node
+vp run build:wasm
+```
+
+Inspect package contents before publishing:
+
+```bash
+pnpm --dir npm/fastsse_node pack --dry-run
+pnpm --dir npm/fastsse_wasm pack --dry-run
+```
+
+Create the release bump and annotated tag:
+
+```bash
+vp run release:patch
+```
+
+Push the release commit and tag together after review.