Is there a Reverse Transcription optimization for long, 9kb, transcripts?
RT-PCR should be able to get you up to ~10kb. If you are finding that it is not working, then you can by long-range RT-PCR kits commercially (look at Stratagene and Qiagen, for example). The Qiagen can handle up to 12.5 kb in a two-step RT-PCR system.