Thanks for the comments. I've attached an updated patch, and have responded to your points below.

On Tue, Sep 8, 2020, at 17:01, Stefan Kangas wrote:
> "Nicholas Savage" <nick@nicksavage.ca> writes:
> 
> > I've written a patch for Bug #39912, as discussed in debbugs. I think I
> > have formatted this correctly and have followed CONTRIBUTE as best as I
> > could.
> 
> Thanks!  I have some comments.
> 
> (Someone else will have to help you with getting the assignment process
> started.)

This is now underway!

> 
> > I've also changed it so the actual source code link opens in view-mode
> > as well. I don't know if there are ramifications of that, so I'm happy
> > to change it if necessary. My thought process was that
> > describe-function is used as a reference to the code, not as a point
> > of entry for editing functions, so changing that is consistent with
> > changing the NEWS links, but I don't know what I don't know.
> 
> Actually, I use it to edit the source code all the time.  That's what
> that button is mostly used for, in my use.  :-)
> 
> So I think we'd better leave that part out.
> 

Yeah, that makes sense now that I'm thinking about it. I thought it may be beyond the pale, which is why I wanted to highlight it. I've removed it now in the new attached patch. 

> > * Open describe-function links in view-mode (Bug#39912) to make
> > behavior consistent depending on whether or not user has permission
> > to edit the files.
> 
> The description is okay, but could be shorter (and should mention the
> link to NEWS button as discussed above).  I'm also not sure if its
> necessary to discuss file permissions here, since those details will be
> in the bug report.  Mentioning view-mode should be enough.
> 
> Also, this doesn't seem to follow the ChangeLog format.  If you use VC
> (or Magit) to edit the files, you can simply put point on the newly
> added line and type `C-x 4 a' to get it automatically generated.  You
> could even do it directly in the ELisp file, if point is in the changed
> function.  (Read CONTRIBUTE for more details.)

I didn't know about `C-x 4 a'. Is that better now? I have reworded the description as well.

I appreciate all of your advice and help! This has been my first real attempt at working in a development environment, as my day job is in a different industry, so there's a bit of a learning curve but I'm eager to catch up and contribute as I can.