Sorry if this is clear to everyone else, but looking at RapeU’s comment and then Vela’s, I’m unclear if this means that the story has to extend to exactly 8,000 words or if (as I think, but am not sure) it can be less. Previously, as Vela says, a limit has been set, but not a minimum. 8,000 is pretty long and not a few people, whether busy or just not inspired over 8,000 words, would be likely to bow out.