diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3ca61808
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+# Contributing Guidelines
+
+Please send a pull request if you have any additions or changes. Pull requests will be accepted:
+
+1. The pull request adheres to the repository's [Code of Conduct](/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)
+1. If the company is at least partially remote
+1. If you add the company in alphabetical order in the list
+1. If you submit the company with a website
+1. If you submit the company with the regions that are accepted for remote positions (US only? Worldwide? Specific timezones?) \*
+1. If you submit a company profile page and link the company name to it (see example [here](/company-profiles/example.md)) \*
+
+* Optional, but highly recommended
+
+Please adhere to the [Contributor Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md).
+
+Thanks for contributing!
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 71c51304..2664a60d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -2,19 +2,8 @@
 
 A list of semi to fully remote-friendly companies in or around tech.
 
-## Contributing Guidelines
-Please send a pull request if you have any additions or changes. Pull requests will be accepted:
-
-1. The pull request adheres to the repository's [Code of Conduct](/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)
-1. If the company is at least partially remote
-1. If you add the company in alphabetical order in the list
-1. If you submit the company with a website
-1. If you submit the company with the regions that are accepted for remote positions (US only? Worldwide? Specific timezones?) \*
-1. If you submit a company profile page and link the company name to it (see example [here](/company-profiles/example.md)) \*
-
-* Optional, but highly recommended
-
-Thanks for contributing!
+Contributions are very welcome!
+Please read the [contribution guidelines](CONTRIBUTING.md].
 
 ## Companies