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How Do I Participate?
Ready to step into the unknown? Great!
You can also join our Discord to chat with other creators.
Create your story
Write something strange, brilliant, or otherworldly—ready for release at the stroke of midnight.
Deadline: 12:01 a.m. PST, November 24, 2025.
Create your story’s cover image
Please follow the instructions on the Cover Image Guidelines.
Fill out the submission formThis ensures your story is properly credited and linked in the directory.
Add the Vault badge.
Place the event artwork at the top of your post and link it to: themidnightvault.substack.com
Need help? See the FAQ → “How To” section below.
Schedule your post.
Set your story to publish November 24 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time.
Not sure how? Check out this Substack help.
Celebrate the launch.
When the clock strikes, every story unlocks.
We’ll cross-link and feature them here in the master list.
Read, share, and discover new worlds within The Midnight Vault.
Artwork: The Vault Badge
Place this artwork at the top of your post and link it to: themidnightvault.substack.com
To download the badge, right-click or option-click the image and select “Save image as…” to save to the desired location on your computer.
Need help? See the FAQ → “How To” section below.
The Twilight Zone Structure
Below is a brief overview of a typical Twilight Zone episode.
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Act 1: Introduction
Establishing the protagonist in their seemingly ordinary world.
OPTIONAL: Rod Serling’s Opening Monologue - Introduces the episode, often cryptically, setting up the surreal or mysterious elements of the story. This may hint at the impending twist, drawing viewers into the unusual situation.
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Act 2: Escalation
The protagonist faces escalating strange events, intensifying the central mystery or conflict.
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Act 3: Crisis and Climax
The protagonist reaches a critical moment, fully engaging with the strange reality of The Twilight Zone.
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Act 4: Twist and Resolution
The story ends with an unexpected, often ironic twist that changes the audience’s perception of the events. This twist frequently (but not always) delivers a moral lesson or commentary.
OPTIONAL: Rod Serling’s Closing Monologue - A reflective message offering a philosophical remark about the episode’s message or the protagonist’s fate, leaving viewers to ponder the implications.
FAQ
Q: Why are you doing this?
We love The Twilight Zone and the creativity of writers, musicians and designers here on Substack. We had a blast last year and wanted to do it again, but with a bigger group.
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Q: Can I bend the rules on the Twilight Zone structure?
Yes! Put your own spin on it. Get creative.
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Q: I’m not a writer, can I create something other, like a comic, audio, video, etc?
YES!!
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Q: Can I use an older story?
We prefer something created specifically for this event. We reserve the right to de-list stories not made for this event.
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Q: Will you be willing to edit my story prior to the event?
No. Substack has a wonderful cadre of freelance editors. Here are a few we trust:
Emil Ottoman - email - include MIDNIGHT VAULT in subject line
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Q: By participating, am I giving away my rights?
No. You retain all rights. All stories stay on your Substack.
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Q: Can I paywall my story?
No. All stories must be free to read until January 1st, 2026
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Q: Is there a maximum word count?
No. To maximize readership, we suggest stories be under 4k words.
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Q: Can I submit more than one story?
No. Your first submission will be the one we share widely.
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Q: Can I use AI (LLMs) to write my story?
No. If it has the scent of AI, everyone will know it, and you’ll be ostracized from society.
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Q: Will there be a book again this year?
Yes! After the event, we’ll select around 20 stories to include in the next Midnight Vault print and ebook anthology.
Selections will be based on:
Originality – a fresh idea or unexpected twist.
Craft – strong storytelling, voice, and structure.
Atmosphere – that ineffable Vault feeling: mystery, awe, or unease.
Reader response – engagement, comments, or resonance within the community.
Fit – how the piece complements the larger collection.
As before, selected authors will share royalties from book sales.
Be sure to fill out the submission form so we can reach you if your story is chosen.
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Q: If I’m not chosen for the book, can I pay to be included?
No. But that’s a really tempting offer. Well… how much?
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Q: Where can I find the link to my story?
The link for your story can be found in your post SETTINGS. Then go to SEO OPTIONS and copy the link to your story (see images)
Reminder: if you change this, please update us with the new link.
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Q: How do I link a picture to a URL?
Add the above banner to your story, select it, then use the LINK button ⛓️💥 like any other text. When prompted, use this URL: themidnightvault.substack.com
Still lost? Read the Substack help for more info.
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Note: We reserve the right to de-list your story for any reason.
All right all right I’m in
Can I submit a poem?