diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 2c0961f29f6..1d090d88553 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -3,8 +3,7 @@
 :tada: **First off, thank you for considering contributing to our project!** :tada:
 
 This is a community-driven project, so it's people like you that make it useful and
-successful.
-These are some of the many ways to contribute:
+successful. These are some of the many ways to contribute:
 
 * :bug: Submitting bug reports and feature requests
 * :memo: Writing tutorials or examples
@@ -13,13 +12,13 @@ These are some of the many ways to contribute:
 * :people_holding_hands: Community engagement and outreach
 
 If you get stuck at any point you can create an
-[issue](https://github.com/GenericMappingTools/pygmt/issues) on GitHub or contact
-us at one of the channels mentioned in the [Contributing Guide](https://www.pygmt.org/dev/contributing.html)
+[issue](https://github.com/GenericMappingTools/pygmt/issues) on GitHub
+or contact us at one of the channels mentioned
+in the [Contributing Guide](https://www.pygmt.org/dev/contributing.html).
 
 For more information on contributing to open source projects,
 [GitHub's own guide](https://opensource.guide/how-to-contribute)
-is a great starting point if you are new to version control.
-Also, checkout the
+is a great starting point if you are new to version control. Also, checkout the
 [Zen of Scientific Software Maintenance](https://jrleeman.github.io/ScientificSoftwareMaintenance/)
 for some guiding principles on how to create high quality scientific software
 contributions.
@@ -28,8 +27,8 @@ contributions.
 ## Ground Rules
 
 The goal is to maintain a diverse community that's pleasant for everyone.
-**Please be considerate and respectful of others**.
-Everyone must abide by our [Code of Conduct](https://github.com/GenericMappingTools/.github/blob/main/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)
+**Please be considerate and respectful of others**. Everyone must abide by our
+[Code of Conduct](https://github.com/GenericMappingTools/.github/blob/main/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)
 and we encourage all to read it carefully.
 
 ## Quick links