diff --git a/docs/contributing.md b/docs/contributing.md
index f10386005d..3bf04dd4ea 100644
--- a/docs/contributing.md
+++ b/docs/contributing.md
@@ -46,7 +46,10 @@ you modified a command in the CLI, use its name as the topic, e.g
 `next/prev: <your-modification>` or `conflicts: <your-modification>`. We don't
 currently have a specific guidelines on what to write in the topic field, but
 the reviewers will help you provide a topic if you have difficulties choosing
-it.
+it. [How to Write a Git Commit Message](https://cbea.ms/git-commit/) is a good
+guide if you're new to writing good commit messages. We are not particularly
+strict about the style, but please do explain the reason for the change unless
+it's obvious.
 
 When you address comments on a PR, don't make the changes in a commit on top (as
 is typical on GitHub). Instead, please make the changes in the appropriate