diff --git a/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index aa8f3d84f..2d8e60627 100644
--- a/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -13,3 +13,14 @@ if new tests are not included.
 
 If this is a GUI change, include screenshots of the change. If not, please
 feel free to just delete this section.
+
+### Authorship
+
+Every author of a code contribution (Go, Javascript, HTML, CSS etc, with the
+possible exception of minor typo corrections and similar) is recorded in the
+AUTHORS and NICKS files and the in-GUI credits. If this is your first
+contribution, a maintainer will add you properly before accepting the
+contribution. You need not do so yourself or worry about the fact that the
+"authors" automated test fails. However, if your name (such as you want it
+presented in the credits) is not visible on your Github profile or in your
+commit messages, please assist by providing it here.