How long should a story or chapter be?

I was wondering... since a sample would be only part of the story, does the sample has to be over 3000 words? or the story all together?
Also I'm right now breaking down what I have already in chapters.. what would be a good length for each chapter? how many words....

thank you

Edited in Feb 2009: Here's a more detailed reply that includes word counting tools.

Fic Mods would like to read at least 3,000 words from each applicant.


------ HIDING THIS SLIGHTLY OUTDATED REPLY ----



This means that samples submitted should have a combined total of at least 3,000 words, which may be comprised of one-shots and/or story chapters. Example, story A may be a 500-word one-shot, story B has 1,000 words, while story C has 1,600 words.

All 3 stories should be submitted as samples. We don't require a minimum length for each chapter, as long as an applicant submits at least 3,000 words total. From stories that meet our other Fanfic Criteria.

Hey guys!

I've been reviewing for a little while now, but wanted to ask about the word limit (haven't read this anywhere or could have overlooked it). I understand there is a minimum of 3,000 words for an author that is posting first time.** I remember that I posted about 2,900 and ninety-something words... are you guys picky about that? It's been over a week and so my author status is still pending, so I'm worried whether or not that might not be the case. I guess there are hundreds of authors waiting to publish, though, so I can understand if you guys have HEAPS to read.

Cheers,

spoonjosh


**MOD NOTE: Just wanted to add that this 3,000-word minimum is required for the application process, as clarified by Jonathan/Another here.
-gal-texter/Pen May2008

The limit is not a particularly high one, so if the word count is below 3000, then the moderator will probably reject it on the grounds that there isn't enough to really judge the fic. I personally would probably forgive a 2990 word sample, but no such mercy is required. So in that regard, it depends somewhat on the ficmod.

And with the waiting--all I can do is ask for patience. We try and do as many as we can do accurately, but we have busy RL to deal with as well, and many of the ficmods are also forum mods, which uses more time. We'll get there, just hang in there. I'd estimate there's about 75 or so currently in queue.

~Jonathan

I was just wondering... is there a minimum word count for stories posted in the fanfiction section? Just wanted to make sure before I posted any of my stories.

No.

For the application, 3000 words is our minimum, but a story's a story no matter how short. Actually, I have a particular eye for conciseness, where appropriate.

Great! *goes off to post story*