diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index b1919d37..d5a323b2 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -93,8 +93,10 @@ But, you really shouldn't do that.
 Contribute
 ----------
 
-If you'd like to contribute, simply fork `the repository`_, commit your changes to the **develop** branch (or branch off of it), and send a pull request. Make sure you add yourself to AUTHORS_.
-
+#. Check for open issues or open a fresh issue to start a discussion around a feature idea or a bug. There is a Contributor Friendly tag for issues that should be ideal for people who are not very familiar with the codebase yet.
+#. Fork `the repository`_ on Github to start making your changes to the **develop** branch (or branch off of it).
+#. Write a test which shows that the bug was fixed or that the feature works as expected.
+#. Send a pull request and bug the maintainer until it gets merged and published. :) Make sure to add yourself to AUTHORS_.
 
 .. _`the repository`: http://github.com/kennethreitz/requests
 .. _AUTHORS: http://github.com/kennethreitz/requests/blob/master/AUTHORS