diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..0c40a6068
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+## Summary
+- The "what"; a concise description of each logical change
+- Another change
+
+The "why", or other context.
+
+## Test plan
+
+## Issues
+- "THING-1234" or "Fixes #123"
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index f84665da7..5d8b1dd19 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -4,13 +4,15 @@ We welcome contributions and feedback! All contributors must sign our [Contribut
 
 ## Development process
 
-1. Create a branch off of `master`: `git checkout -b YOUR_NAME/branch_name`.
-2. Commit your changes. Make sure to add tests!
-3. Run `npm run lint` to ensure there are no lint errors.
-4. `git push` your changes to GitHub.
-5. Make sure that all unit tests are passing and that there are no merge conflicts between your branch and `master`.
-6. Open a pull request from `YOUR_NAME/branch_name` to `master`.
-7. A repository maintainer will review your pull request and, if all goes well, squash and merge it!
+1. Fork the repository and create your branch from master.
+2. Please follow the [commit message guidelines](https://github.com/angular/angular/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md#-commit-message-guidelines) for each commit message. 
+3. Make sure to add tests!
+4. Run `npm run lint` to ensure there are no lint errors.
+5. `git push` your changes to GitHub.
+6. Open a PR from your fork into the master branch of the original repo
+7. Make sure that all unit tests are passing and that there are no merge conflicts between your branch and `master`.
+8. Open a pull request from `YOUR_NAME/branch_name` to `master`.
+9. A repository maintainer will review your pull request and, if all goes well, squash and merge it!
 
 ## Pull request acceptance criteria