diff --git a/project/RELEASE-CHECKLIST.md b/project/RELEASE-CHECKLIST.md
index d9382b901c..10af71c81d 100644
--- a/project/RELEASE-CHECKLIST.md
+++ b/project/RELEASE-CHECKLIST.md
@@ -364,7 +364,17 @@ echo "https://github.com/$GITHUBUSER/docker/compare/docker:master...$GITHUBUSER:
 Again, get two maintainers to validate, then merge, then push that pretty
 blue button to delete your branch.
 
-### 13. Rejoice and Evangelize!
+### 13. Update the API docs and VERSION files
+
+Now that version X.Y.Z is out, time to start working on the next! Update the
+content of the `VERSION` file to be the next minor (incrementing Y) and add the
+`-dev` suffix. For example, after 1.5.0 release, the `VERSION` file gets
+updated to `1.6.0-dev` (as in "1.6.0 in the making").
+
+Also create a new entry in `docs/sources/reference/api/` by copying the latest
+and bumping the version number (in both the file's name and content).
+
+### 14. Rejoice and Evangelize!
 
 Congratulations! You're done.