Irene
I don't often chip into these things but this time I hope I can help you a little bit.
I write stories and I have had 2 rejected, one of them still is.
You've joined a club, ok maybe not an exclusive club but a club nevertheless. It has rules and when we join we agree to abide by them.
That means that even if we don't agree with them all the time, we must just learn how to adapt. I sense you may not want to do that, but it isn't the owners or moderators fault. I now think I've worked out what is and isn't acceptable. I also accept that I'll probably cross the line one day and have another story thrown out.
Sorry, but that's the way it works.
If you think I can help you to fit into the rules, please ask. If you think I can help you avoid them, you haven't got it yet. Good luck, but don't give up.
Very well put Gypsy.
I consider this matter closed.
These questions aren't really meant for authors, I've moved this to the site feedback forum. They are a matter of site policy and rules.
Purveyor of Poetry & Porn
Btw, I happen to agree with all the above...the longest single chapter story I've written is 6700 words...
I just happen to know there is a story posted here a couple months ago that is over 13k...I have not got to it myself in part because of its length, even though I know the author is an excellent writer...
What I'm gathering here is that it is not really a rule, more like a request...