diff --git a/.github/scripts/changelog-draft.py b/.github/scripts/changelog-draft.py
index 7dc378a..f9e96d7 100644
--- a/.github/scripts/changelog-draft.py
+++ b/.github/scripts/changelog-draft.py
@@ -83,6 +83,8 @@ def main():
     try:
         with open("CHANGELOG_PENDING.md", "r") as f:
             existing = f.read()
+        if not existing.strip():
+            existing = PENDING_HEADER  # pre-existing but empty placeholder file
     except FileNotFoundError:
         existing = PENDING_HEADER
 
diff --git a/CHANGELOG_PENDING.md b/CHANGELOG_PENDING.md
index 876f847..170935e 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG_PENDING.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG_PENDING.md
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
+# Pending Changelog Entries
 
+Drafted automatically from commit messages since the last processed push. Review, edit as needed, and fold into CHANGELOG.md -- then clear this file.
 
+<!-- PENDING_ENTRIES -->
 ## Pending -- 2026-07-18
 
 ### Fixed