diff --git a/DEVELOPING.md b/DEVELOPING.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ae9b2f5d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/DEVELOPING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+# Configuration Parameter Contributions
+
+This is a brief guide for developers interested in making open-source contributions to the configuration parameters for 
+java-manta. [Java-Manta]((http://joyent.github.com/java-manta)) is a community-maintained Java SDK for interacting with 
+Joyent's Manta object storage system.
+
+### Recommended Prerequisite References
+ - [Using The SDK](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta#usage)
+ - [Contributing to Java-Manta](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md)
+ - [Configuration Documentation](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/USAGE.md#configuration)
+ - [General Examples](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta#general-examples)
+ 
+### Adding a Configuration Parameter to the SDK
+
+Configuration parameters allow users to flexibly leverage SDK features to match their performance, authentication, 
+and encryption requirements.
+
+To submit a new configuration parameter to the Java-Manta SDK:
+ - Determine the nature of the new parameter. Consider basic design decisions such as conditions that govern its use, 
+  its datatype, etc.
+   - For example, if the new configuration parameter is a ```Boolean```, find the line ```Boolean isClientEncryptionEnabled();```
+     in [ConfigContext](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/java-manta-client-unshaded/src/main/java/com/joyent/manta/config/ConfigContext.java). 
+     Use that section of code as a template to implement the new configuration variable.
+
+ - Add a method in [SettableConfigContext](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/java-manta-client-unshaded/src/main/java/com/joyent/manta/config/SettableConfigContext.java) 
+  and imitate the pre-existing implementations in the class. Include additions to detailed information in the JavaDocs.
+
+ - Add keys for constants in [MapConfigContext](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/java-manta-client-unshaded/src/main/java/com/joyent/manta/config/MapConfigContext.java) and [EnvVarConfigContext](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/java-manta-client-unshaded/src/main/java/com/joyent/manta/config/EnvVarConfigContext.java). 
+  Include an implementation for the required interface methods.
+
+ - Add a default setting in [DefaultsConfigContext](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/java-manta-client-unshaded/src/main/java/com/joyent/manta/config/DefaultsConfigContext.java). This determines a default value for the parameter when none is provided 
+  via command line or environment variable.
+
+ - Add code to the methods `overwriteWithContext()` and `overwriteWithDefaultContext()` in [BaseChainedConfigContext](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/java-manta-client-unshaded/src/main/java/com/joyent/manta/config/SettableConfigContext.java) 
+  to ensure the overwrite behavior works correctly.
+  
+ - Update the test file [ChainedConfigContextTest](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/java-manta-client-unshaded/src/test/java/com/joyent/manta/config/ChainedConfigContextTest.java) to verify the behavior for the added parameter.
+  
+ - Update [USAGE.md](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/USAGE.md#configuration) to include the new configuration parameter and to add clear instructions on how to use it.
+
+ - Add information about the new parameter in the [CHANGELOG.md](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/blob/master/CHANGELOG.md).
+
+
+ Note: [Adding a new configuration parameter manta.content_type_detection](https://github.com/joyent/java-manta/pull/494) can help developers find and edit the appropriate classes.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 83bf548b..f6558948 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -98,9 +98,15 @@ Known edge cases and other topics are covered in [the FAQ](/FAQ.md).
 Contributions are welcome! Please read the [CONTRIBUTING.md](/CONTRIBUTING.md) document for details
 on getting started.
 
+## Developing
+
+There are portions of the SDK that are somewhat complex or fiddly. Please read the [DEVELOPING.md](/DEVELOPING.md) 
+document for details, before developing the Java SDK.
+
 ### Testing
 
-Please refer to the [testing documentation](/TESTING.md).
+Contributing developers are strongly encouraged to add unit-tests and integration-tests. Refer to the [testing documentation](/TESTING.md)
+for information on full test suite requirements.
 
 ### Releasing