diff --git a/.github/workflows/service-pr-guide.yml b/.github/workflows/service-pr-guide.yml
index 8b78de4c..b7c42e59 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/service-pr-guide.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/service-pr-guide.yml
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ jobs:
             const body = [
               '👋 Thanks for submitting a service to the MPP directory!',
               '',
-              'Before we review, please make sure you\'ve completed these steps:',
+              'If you want your service included in the curated `mpp.dev/services` list, complete this checklist before review:',
               '',
               '### Required',
               '- [ ] Your service is **live and accepting payments** via MPP (not a placeholder or coming-soon)',
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ jobs:
               '- [ ] Build succeeds: `pnpm build`',
               '',
               '### Recommended',
-              '- [ ] Register your service on [MPPScan](https://www.mppscan.com/register) — it follows the standard MPP discovery format and makes your service discoverable by agents immediately, no PR required',
+              '- [ ] Register your service on [MPPScan](https://www.mppscan.com/register) (by Merit Systems) — it follows the standard MPP discovery format and makes your service discoverable by agents immediately, no PR required',
               '',
               '### Review criteria',
               'We prioritize services that are **high quality and novel**. We may not approve services that duplicate existing functionality or aren\'t yet production-ready.',
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 98fdce50..1d8540ad 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -43,7 +43,26 @@ pnpm run preview  # Preview production build
 
 ## Contributing to the service directory
 
-The service directory at [mpp.dev/services](https://mpp.dev/services) lists all MPP-enabled services. To add or update a service, edit the registry source file and open a pull request.
+The service directory at [mpp.dev/services](https://mpp.dev/services) is curated for live, production-ready MPP services.
+
+### Submit a pull request to this repo
+
+If you want your service included in the curated `mpp.dev/services` list, open a PR and complete this checklist:
+
+#### Required
+
+- [ ] Your service is **live and accepting payments** via MPP (not a placeholder or coming-soon)
+- [ ] You've added your entry to `schemas/services.ts`
+- [ ] Types pass: `pnpm check:types`
+- [ ] Build succeeds: `pnpm build`
+
+#### Recommended
+
+- [ ] Register your service on [MPPScan](https://www.mppscan.com/register) (by Merit Systems) — it follows the standard MPP discovery format and makes your service discoverable by agents immediately, no PR required
+
+#### Review criteria
+
+We prioritize services that are **high quality and novel**. We may not approve services that duplicate existing functionality or aren't yet production-ready.
 
 ### Add a new service
 
@@ -74,21 +93,6 @@ The service directory at [mpp.dev/services](https://mpp.dev/services) lists all
 }
 ```
 
-2. **Regenerate the discovery file**:
-
-```bash
-node scripts/generate-discovery.ts
-```
-
-3. **Validate**:
-
-```bash
-pnpm check:types
-pnpm build
-```
-
-4. **Open a pull request** with both `schemas/services.ts` and `schemas/discovery.json` changes.
-
 ## Contributing
 
 Contributions to documentation, the service directory, and site improvements are welcome.
@@ -106,7 +110,7 @@ Contributions to documentation, the service directory, and site improvements are
 |-------------|---------|
 | Typo or editorial fix | Direct PR to `main` |
 | New documentation page | Follow existing page structure in `src/pages/` |
-| New service listing | Edit `schemas/services.ts`, regenerate, PR |
+| New service listing | Register on [MPPScan](https://www.mppscan.com/register) for immediate discovery; open a PR to include it in the curated `mpp.dev/services` list |
 | Service update | Edit the service entry in `schemas/services.ts`, regenerate, PR |
 | New component | Follow patterns in `src/components/` |
 | Site configuration | Open an issue first for discussion |