diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index a86c2873..6d193065 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,2 +1,50 @@
+<!-- 
+PR AUTHOR INSTRUCTIONS; PLEASE READ.
+
+Give your pull request an accurate and descriptive title. It should mention what component(s) or database driver(s) it touches.
+Pull requests with undescriptive or inaccurate titles *may* be closed or have their titles changed before merging.
+
+Fill out the fields below.
+
+All pull requests *must* pass CI to be merged. Check your pull request frequently for build failures until all checks pass.
+Address build failures by pushing new commits or amending existing ones. Feel free to ask for help if you get stuck.
+If a failure seems spurious (timeout or cache failure), you may push a new commit to re-run it.
+
+After addressing review comments, re-request review to show that you are ready for your PR to be looked at again.
+
+Pull requests which sit for a long time with broken CI or unaddressed review comments will be closed to clear the backlog.
+If this happens, you are welcome to open a new pull request, but please be sure to address the feedback you have received previously.
+
+Bug fixes should include a regression test which fails before the fix and passes afterwards. If this is infeasible, please explain why.
+
+New features *should* include unit or integration tests in the appropriate folders. Database specific tests should go in `tests/<database>`.
+
+Note that unsolicited pull requests implementing large or complex changes may not be reviwed right away.
+Maintainer time and energy is limited and massive unsolicited pull requests require an outsized effort to review.
+
+To make the best use of your time and ours, search for and participate in existing discussion on the issue tracker before opening a pull request.
+The solution you came up with may have already been rejected or postponed due to other work needing to be done first,
+or there may be a pending solution going down a different direction that you hadn't considered.
+
+Pull requests that take existing discussion into account are the most likely to be merged.
+
+Delete this block comment before submission to show that you have read and understand these instructions.
+-->
+
 ### Does your PR solve an issue?
-### Delete this text and add "fixes #(issue number)"
+Delete this text and add "fixes #(issue number)".
+
+Do *not* just list issue numbers here as they will not be automatically closed on merging this pull request unless prefixed with "fixes" or "closes".
+
+### Is this a breaking change?
+Delete this text and answer yes/no and explain.
+
+If yes, this pull request will need to wait for the next major release (`0.{x + 1}.0`)
+
+Behavior changes _can_ be breaking if significant enough.
+Consider [Hyrum's Law](https://www.hyrumslaw.com/):
+
+> With a sufficient number of users of an API,  
+> it does not matter what you promise in the contract:  
+> all observable behaviors of your system  
+> will be depended on by somebody.