diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 056e892..f9f0b75 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@ Please ensure your pull request adheres to the following guidelines:
 
 ## If you are addding a new book
 
-- Search previous entries in [README.md](README.md) before making a new one, as yours may be a duplicate.
 - if you want to add a new book you should have read the book.
+- Search existing books in [README.md](README.md) and make sure that you are not adding a duplicate.
 - Insert the book in the following format in [README.md](README.md). Don't change any other files.
 
   `| Book name | Author | [Goodreads rating](Goodreads url) | Year published |`