diff --git a/docs/workstation_release_management.rst b/docs/workstation_release_management.rst
index 4cc6f94e..4aec8a54 100644
--- a/docs/workstation_release_management.rst
+++ b/docs/workstation_release_management.rst
@@ -24,12 +24,12 @@ Before beginning the release proces, create a tracking issue titled ``Release
..``.
2. Push a commit adding a new changelog entry and incrementing the version.
-3. Push an rc tag in the format ``..~rcN`` on your new commit. We will be building from this tag in the next step.
+3. Push an RC tag in the format ``..~rcN`` on your new commit. We will be building from this tag in the next step.
Step 2: Build and deploy the package to ``apt-test``
----------------------------------------------------
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ Step 2: Build and deploy the package to ``apt-test``
.. code-block:: sh
cd securedrop-client
- git checkout ``..~rcN``
+ git checkout ..~rcN
make build-debs
3. Save and publish :doc:`build metadata `.
@@ -57,19 +57,19 @@ Step 3: Begin QA
----------------
You can now start the QA process! If a bug is found, a fix should be developed, merged into the main branch and
-cherry-picked into the release branch. If desired, release another RC package for further testing.
+cherry-picked into the release branch. If desired, release another RC set of packages for further testing.
-Once QA testers are satisfied with the package, you are ready to move on to the next step.
+Once QA testers are satisfied with the packages, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Step 4: Create a release tag
----------------------------
-1. Update the changelog and version.
+1. Update the changelog and version. Remove any references to the RC versions from the changelogs.
2. Generate a release tag named``..`` (same as the previous tags, without the ``~rcN`` part).
3. :ref:`Sign the tag with the SecureDrop release key` or ask another maintainer to do this and push the signed tag
-Step 5: Build and deploy the package to ``apt-qa``
---------------------------------------------------
+Step 5: Build and deploy the packages to ``apt-qa``
+---------------------------------------------------
1. Clone ``securedrop-client`` and ``securedrop-builder``.
@@ -83,16 +83,16 @@ Step 5: Build and deploy the package to ``apt-qa``
.. code-block:: sh
cd securedrop-client
- git checkout ``..``
+ git checkout ..
make build-debs
3. Save and publish :doc:`build metadata `.
-4. Add your package to a new branch called ``release`` in https://github.com/freedomofpress/securedrop-apt-prod.
+4. Add your packages to a new branch called ``release`` in https://github.com/freedomofpress/securedrop-apt-prod.
5. Update the apt repo distribution files by running ``./tools/publish`` and push those changes to the ``release`` branch as well.
-6. :ref:`Regenerate and sign the apt release file` or ask another maintainer to do this. The package will now be installable from https://apt-qa.freedom.press.
+6. :ref:`Regenerate and sign the apt release file` or ask another maintainer to do this. The packages will now be installable from https://apt-qa.freedom.press.
7. Open a PR to merge the ``release`` branch into ``main``.
-8. Another maintainer should also build the package (following the same steps as earlier) and verify their newly built packages
- are identical to those pushed to apt-qa.
+8. Another maintainer should also build the packages (following the same steps as earlier) and verify their newly built packages
+ are `bit-for-bit identical `_ to those pushed to apt-qa.
Step 6: Perform the ``apt-qa`` preflight check
----------------------------------------------
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ Step 6: Perform the ``apt-qa`` preflight check
2. Edit the apt sources file to point to https://apt-qa.freedom.press.
3. Update the package system and install the new packages via ``apt update && apt upgrade -y``.
4. Open the Qube Manager and restart all VMs using the Template VM you just updated.
-5. Start the Client application and verify that everything is working as expected.
+5. Start the Client application and verify that everything is working as expected.
Step 7: Deploy the package to ``apt-prod``
------------------------------------------
@@ -192,15 +192,15 @@ Signing procedures
Sign the tag with the SecureDrop release key
--------------------------------------------
-1. If the tag does not already exist, create a new release tag: ``git tag -a VERSION``.
+1. If the tag does not already exist, create a new annotated and unsigned tag: ``git tag -a VERSION``.
2. Output the tag to a file: ``git cat-file tag VERSION > VERSION.tag``.
3. Copy the tag file into your signing environment and then verify the tag commit hash.
4. Sign the tag with the SecureDrop release key: ``gpg --armor --detach-sign VERSION.tag``.
5. Append ASCII-armored signature to tag file (ensure there are no blank lines): ``cat VERSION.tag.sig >> VERSION.tag``.
6. Move tag file with signature appended back to the release environment.
-7. Delete old (unsigned) tag: ``git tag -d VERSION``.
-8. Create new (signed) tag: ``git mktag < VERSION.tag > .git/refs/tags/VERSION``.
-9. Verify the tag: ``git tag -v VERSION``.
+7. Delete old unsigned tag: ``git tag -d VERSION``.
+8. Create new signed tag: ``git mktag < VERSION.tag > .git/refs/tags/VERSION``.
+9. Verify the tag's signature: ``git tag -v VERSION``.
10. Push the tag to the shared remote: ``git push origin VERSION``.
.. _Regenerate and sign the apt release file: