diff --git a/GUILE-VERSION b/GUILE-VERSION
index 1d68aa3be..4ebba1e55 100644
--- a/GUILE-VERSION
+++ b/GUILE-VERSION
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 # Note: `GUILE_VERSION' is defined in `configure.ac' using `git-version-gen'.
 GUILE_MAJOR_VERSION=2
 GUILE_MINOR_VERSION=0
-GUILE_MICRO_VERSION=8
+GUILE_MICRO_VERSION=9
 
 GUILE_EFFECTIVE_VERSION=2.0
 
diff --git a/NEWS b/NEWS
index 337e2a66d..3b75de627 100644
--- a/NEWS
+++ b/NEWS
@@ -5,7 +5,10 @@ See the end for copying conditions.
 Please send Guile bug reports to bug-guile@gnu.org.
 
 
-Changes in 2.0.8 (since 2.0.7):
+Changes in 2.0.9 (since 2.0.7):
+
+Note: 2.0.8 was a brown paper bag release that was never announced, but
+some mirrors may have picked it up.  Please do not use it.
 
 * Notable changes