Laser Books was a line of 58 paperback science fiction (SF) novels published from 1975 to 1977 by Canadian romance powerhouse Harlequin Books. Laser published three titles per month, available by subscription as well as in stores. The books were limited to 50,000-60,000 words. They were numbered as a series, though each was a standalone novel. All the covers were painted by Hugo Award winning artist Kelly Freas. Editorial problems Tim Powers, whose first book was published by Laser, has said that Epitaph in Rust was "mangled" by the editors at Laser Books. An unedited version was later issued by a different publisher. Piers Anthony had problems with their publication of his novel But What Of Earth?. This novel was also issued later, through Tor Books. Harlequin edited the Laser books to conform to the standards then imposed on the Harlequin Romances. This included prohibition of blasphemous and scatological words and explicit sexual scenes, but not of sexual situations and implied sex. There was also a tendency to edit to correct grammar and exclude slang in exposition but not in dialogue. When Harlequin closed the Laser line, all rights were reverted to the authors. Several works including Jerry Pournelle's Exile to Glory had been accepted and the acceptance payment made, but the book was not yet published. Those were also returned to the authors without any attempt to reclaim the advances paid. The Laser line was important to many beginning writers and greatly expanded the market for 50,000 to 60,000 word books. Many Laser books were later published by Pocket, Ace Books, and Tor. Some remain in print. Titles 0. Seeds of Change by Thomas F. Monteleone, 1975, This book was not numbered, and was not part of the actual series. It was a "Laser Books Limited Collector's Edition", not available for sale, given away at selected bookstores to launch the series and then given away with subscriptions to Laser Books or with mail-in orders. This novel was also given away at science fiction conventions in 1975, starting many science fiction fans collecting them. 1. Renegades of Time by Raymond F. Jones, 1975, 2. Herds by Stephen Goldin, 1975, 3. Crash Landing on Iduna by Arthur Tofte, 1975, 4. Gates of the Universe by Robert Coulson with Gene DeWeese, 1975, 5. Walls Within Walls by Arthur Tofte, 1975, 6. Serving in Time by Gordon Eklund, 1975, 7. Seeklight by K.