diff --git a/.github/workflows/build-publish.yml b/.github/workflows/build-publish.yml
index d1c7df8..e989633 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/build-publish.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/build-publish.yml
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ jobs:
         pip install
         build
         --user
+          
+    - name: Ensure .VERSION file is included
+      run: cp .VERSION dist/
 
     - name: Build a source tarball
       run: >-