diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index 670d60352..262b56fd4 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -53,8 +53,8 @@ AC_SUBST([runstatedir], [$with_piddir])
 # Don't forget to put a dash in front of the release candidate!!!
 # That is how it is done with semantic versioning!
 #
-AC_SUBST(RELEASE_CANDIDATE, [rc1])
-AC_SUBST(STUBBY_RELEASE_CANDIDATE, [rc1])
+AC_SUBST(RELEASE_CANDIDATE, [-rc1])
+AC_SUBST(STUBBY_RELEASE_CANDIDATE, [-rc1])
 
 # Set current date from system if not set
 AC_ARG_WITH([current-date],