Karen, you should you make fresh cuts just below the bottom nodes (unless they're heel cuttings) and trim away the excess internodal cane above the top node before you stick the cuttings. That'll shorten them some. You might want to cut at least the longest of them in half anyway. I wouldn't go shorter than 6" or so, final length. Read the thread linked below for a discussion on trimming and wounding the bottoms of the cuttings.

I'm assuming you don't expect to have a second chance with these rose? In that case I would layer the potting soil over 3/4" or so of perlite at the bottom of the container, just to be on the safe side. Perlite used that way (not mixed in) can go a long way toward compensating for getting the potting mix too wet, which is the most common mistake beginners make. Then later, if you continue with rose propagation, you can work out your moisture conditions such that the perlite is no longer needed.

Here is a link that might be useful: Is this how you scrape the cuttings for rooting?

Rosyone, thank you, I just got my computer back online so it has taken me a while to answer. I read the link you posted and it really helps. Yes, these are a one time try so I hope they root. I will try the perlite and repot them.
I hope to go to the Heirloom Rose Gardens in St. Paul Or next week, they should be in full bloom and beautiful right now. It is a two hour drive but will be a good day trip. Thank you again, Karan