diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md
index c54c2261..2bea182b 100644
--- a/docs/README.md
+++ b/docs/README.md
@@ -716,12 +716,15 @@ An add column operation creates a new column on an existing table.
 }
 ```
 
+Default values are subject to the usual rules for quoting SQL expressions. In particular, string literals should be surrounded with single quotes.
+
 Example **add column** migrations:
 
 * [03_add_column.json](../examples/03_add_column.json)
 * [06_add_column_to_sql_table.json](../examples/06_add_column_to_sql_table.json)
 * [17_add_rating_column.json](../examples/17_add_rating_column.json)
 * [26_add_column_with_check_constraint.json](../examples/26_add_column_with_check_constraint.json)
+* [30_add_column_simple_up.json](../examples/30_add_column_simple_up.json)
 
 ### Alter column
 
@@ -924,6 +927,8 @@ where each `column` is defined as:
 },
 ```
 
+Default values are subject to the usual rules for quoting SQL expressions. In particular, string literals should be surrounded with single quotes.
+
 Example **create table** migrations:
 
 * [01_create_tables.json](../examples/01_create_tables.json)
diff --git a/examples/30_add_column_simple_up.json b/examples/30_add_column_simple_up.json
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0e438b7f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/30_add_column_simple_up.json
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+{
+  "name": "30_add_column_simple_up",
+  "operations": [
+    {
+      "add_column": {
+        "table": "people",
+        "up": "'temporary-description'",
+        "column": {
+          "name": "description",
+          "type": "varchar(255)",
+          "nullable": false
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  ]
+}