diff --git a/reno/create.py b/reno/create.py
index f75c859..9949460 100644
--- a/reno/create.py
+++ b/reno/create.py
@@ -21,21 +21,65 @@ _TEMPLATE = """\
 ---
 prelude: >
     Replace this text with content to appear at the
-    top of the section for this release.
+    top of the section for this release. All of the
+    prelude content is merged together and then rendered
+    separately from the items listed in other parts of
+    the file, so the text needs to be worded so that
+    both the prelude and the other items make sense
+    when read independently. This may mean repeating
+    some details. Not every release note
+    requires a prelude. Usually only notes describing
+    major features or adding release theme details should
+    have a prelude.
 features:
   - List new features here, or remove this section.
+    All of the list items in this section are combined
+    when the release notes are rendered, so the text
+    needs to be worded so that it does not depend on any
+    information only available in another section, such
+    as the prelude. This may mean repeating some details.
 issues:
   - List known issues here, or remove this section.
+    All of the list items in this section are combined
+    when the release notes are rendered, so the text
+    needs to be worded so that it does not depend on any
+    information only available in another section, such
+    as the prelude. This may mean repeating some details.
 upgrade:
   - List upgrade notes here, or remove this section.
+    All of the list items in this section are combined
+    when the release notes are rendered, so the text
+    needs to be worded so that it does not depend on any
+    information only available in another section, such
+    as the prelude. This may mean repeating some details.
 critical:
   - Add critical notes here, or remove this section.
+    All of the list items in this section are combined
+    when the release notes are rendered, so the text
+    needs to be worded so that it does not depend on any
+    information only available in another section, such
+    as the prelude. This may mean repeating some details.
 security:
   - Add security notes here, or remove this section.
+    All of the list items in this section are combined
+    when the release notes are rendered, so the text
+    needs to be worded so that it does not depend on any
+    information only available in another section, such
+    as the prelude. This may mean repeating some details.
 fixes:
   - Add normal bug fixes here, or remove this section.
+    All of the list items in this section are combined
+    when the release notes are rendered, so the text
+    needs to be worded so that it does not depend on any
+    information only available in another section, such
+    as the prelude. This may mean repeating some details.
 other:
   - Add other notes here, or remove this section.
+    All of the list items in this section are combined
+    when the release notes are rendered, so the text
+    needs to be worded so that it does not depend on any
+    information only available in another section, such
+    as the prelude. This may mean repeating some details.
 """