diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5d9a3b14
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+# How to Contribute to asdf
+
+## Did you find a bug?
+
+**Ensure the bug is actually an issue with asdf and not a plugin.** If the bug
+only occurs when using one tool installed by asdf and not others it's likely an
+issue with the asdf plugin. Find the plugin repository on
+[asdf-vm/asdf-plugins](https://github.com/asdf-vm/asdf-plugins) and follow the
+plugin creators instructions for reporting the bug.
+
+**Ensure the bug was not already reported** by searching on GitHub under
+[Issues](https://github.com/asdf-vm/asdf/issues).
+
+If you are unable to find an open issue addressing the problem please [open
+a new one](https://github.com/asdf-vm/asdf/issues/new). Please be as specific
+as possible when reporting the issue. Include the observed behavior as well as
+what you thought should have happened. Please also provide environmental
+details like asdf version, shell, OS, etc...
+
+## Did you write a patch that fixes a bug?
+
+Open a new GitHub pull request with the patch. Refer to the [Development
+section of the README](https://github.com/asdf-vm/asdf#development) for the
+details on how to run the unit tests. Please make sure that unit tests pass on
+Travis CI.
+
+## Did you create a plugin for asdf?
+
+Please read the [creating plugins](doc/creating-plugins.md) guide.
+
+## Do you want to contribute the asdf documentation?
+
+Documentation can always be improved! Right now there is just the
+[README](README.md) and the [creating plugins](doc/creating-plugins.md) guide.
+The [wiki](https://github.com/asdf-vm/asdf/wiki) exists but is in a state of
+disrepair. If you see something that can be improved please submit a pull
+request or edit the wiki.
+
+Thanks for contributing!
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 8881d32f..99b4d13a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -204,6 +204,10 @@ and temporarily prepend the `bin` and `shims` directory of the directory to your
 We use [bats](https://github.com/sstephenson/bats) for testing,
 so make sure `bats test/` passes after you made your changes.
 
+## Contributing
+
+See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for the contribution guidelines.
+
 ## Credits
 
 Me ([@HashNuke](https://github.com/HashNuke)), High-fever, cold, cough.