diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 1871e19..9f3cb4d 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+## [2.3.13] - (2024-Feb-18)
+
+- Added better exception handling based on [this comment](https://github.com/jonbhanson/flutter_native_splash/issues/643#issuecomment-1938416308).  Thanks [BujusKrachus](https://github.com/BujusKrachus) for the detailed explanation.
+
 ## [2.3.12] - (2024-Feb-18)
 
 - Fix incorrect rejection of parameter values.  Fixes [#652](https://github.com/jonbhanson/flutter_native_splash/issues/652).
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index fc14814..78ddc7f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ First, add `flutter_native_splash` as a dependency in your pubspec.yaml file.
 
 ```yaml
 dependencies:
-  flutter_native_splash: ^2.3.12
+  flutter_native_splash: ^2.3.13
 ```
 
 Don't forget to `flutter pub get`.
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ flutter_native_splash:
 
 ## 2. Run the package
 
-After adding your settings, run the following command in the terminal:
+After adding your settings to `pubspec.yaml`, run the following command in the terminal:
 
 ```
 dart run flutter_native_splash:create
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ dart run flutter_native_splash:create
 
 When the package finishes running, your splash screen is ready.
 
-To specify the YAML file location just add --path with the command in the terminal:
+(Optionally), If you added your config to a separate YAML file instead of `pubspec.yaml`, just add --path with the command in the terminal:
 
 ```
 dart run flutter_native_splash:create --path=path/to/my/file.yaml
diff --git a/lib/cli_commands.dart b/lib/cli_commands.dart
index 3537252..6d94cf7 100644
--- a/lib/cli_commands.dart
+++ b/lib/cli_commands.dart
@@ -347,7 +347,12 @@ Map<String, dynamic> getConfig({
     filePath = 'pubspec.yaml';
   }
 
-  final Map yamlMap = loadYaml(File(filePath).readAsStringSync()) as Map;
+  final Map yamlMap;
+  try {
+    yamlMap = loadYaml(File(filePath).readAsStringSync()) as Map;
+  } catch (e) {
+    throw Exception('Your `$filePath` appears to be empty or malformed.');
+  }
 
   if (yamlMap['flutter_native_splash'] is! Map) {
     throw Exception(
diff --git a/pubspec.yaml b/pubspec.yaml
index b527e25..819b36d 100644
--- a/pubspec.yaml
+++ b/pubspec.yaml
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 name: flutter_native_splash
 description: Customize Flutter's default white native splash screen with
   background color and splash image. Supports dark mode, full screen, and more.
-version: 2.3.12
+version: 2.3.13
 repository: https://github.com/jonbhanson/flutter_native_splash
 issue_tracker: https://github.com/jonbhanson/flutter_native_splash/issues