diff --git a/docs/publishing.md b/docs/publishing.md
index 6b4dbfa48d..be94406a40 100644
--- a/docs/publishing.md
+++ b/docs/publishing.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ PR is merged. This is typically done every Tuesday around noon CET.
   - Verify the version we are shipping is correct, by looking at the version packages PR title. It should be "Version Packages (next)"
   - Check [`.changeset/pre.json`](https://github.com/backstage/backstage/blob/master/.changeset/pre.json) if the `mode` is set to `pre`. If you encounter `mode: "exit"` or if it's not defined, it indicates a mainline release.
 - Verify that there are no active/unfinished `sync_version-packages` actions running (https://github.com/backstage/backstage/actions/workflows/sync_version-packages.yml)
-  - Locking the main branch will prevent new ones to be created
+  - Locking the main branch will prevent new ones to be created, but be sure to check for running actions again after unlocking, since it may cause pending auto-merge PRs to be merged.
 - Check [`Version Packages (next)` Pull Request](https://github.com/backstage/backstage/pulls?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Apr+in%3Atitle+%22Version+Packages+%28next%29%22) for sufficient approval to be merged
   - Check generated `changelog` in the changed files of the pull request under `docs/releases` to see if there are any unexpected major bumps e.g. by searching the file
   - Review & approve changes