Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send my files and PDFs to Star Print Brokers?
You can burn the files to DVD or CD and send them to us. This is the preferred method for art and photography books with many pages of high resolution images. If it is a small book, or a book with few high-resolution images, the book files can be placed on our FTP site. Contact us for our FTP address, user ID and password.
What is the quality of printing like?
With Star Print Brokers heading the team for Asia printing, even the most discerning client will say the quality is wonderful. That is because we have a proven network of pre-approved, already tested and proven providers. We really care about providing great products and services. Please read about Star Print Brokers features and benefits.
How much are shipping, delivery and duty? What about customs?
Ocean shipping with inland delivery to your door is included in our quotes, as is duty. We handle all customs too. The cost depends on the number of books, their weight and the zip or postal code of the final delivery destination.
What is the minimum quantity?
ASIA: Hardcover books, 1,000, soft cover books, 2,000. USA: 500 soft cover books. Our books are printed on commercial presses. We do not do print-on-demand books, where books are copied in single sheets, not printed on a press. We only print quality books.
Please explain GSM. What is it?
GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It is the method used to measure paper in Asia and Europe. If you specify a paper in pounds or points as in common in the US, we will convert to the closest comparable GSM weight. Read more at paper conversion.
What about proofs?
You will receive one round of physical digital proofs, output on an Epson 11000, Indigo, or similar model. The cost is included in the quote. Press proofs or wet proofs are also available, at an additional cost, for critical color.
Does Star Print Brokers only print high-quality fine art and photography books?
We can print almost any kind of book. Since we specialize in high-end color and large format bindings, we do a great job on all kinds of books.
What is RGB and CMYK?
RGB stands for Red, Green and Blue, and is the mode used for monitors and television. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, the four inks used in process color printing. Images should be scanned in CMYK or converted to CMYK mode in Photoshop. Also, scan at 300 dpi, at the size the image will be printed. We can use larger scanned images, but the printing will be 300 pixels per inch.
DESIGN HINT: Know the approximate size of the final image. Scan at 350 pixels per inch or 400 pixels per inch. That way you have more resolution to work with if you want to make the image larger on the printed page.
Which ICC profile should I use?
You can use an ICC profile but it is not required. It is wise to use default settings within InDesign or Quark. However, we can provide you with the ICC profile for the target output device. The ICC profile will differ depending on the manufacturer and model number and printing press that will be used.
Do you offer book design services?
We have book design options for all budgets:
- Super Star Book Design (superior design, top level)
- Star Book Design (mid-level cost, in-house)
- Star Asia Book Production (low cost, in Asia)
How do I register the copyright and get a
Library of Congress Number?
Please visit the United States Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov. See our Resources for additional weblinks.
What is the largest dimensions I can make a book?
It depends on the country and the vendor, but we often manufacture high-quality coffee table books that exceed 12″ x 12″.
How do I prepare my book for printing?
Please see our Prepress Guide. We write instructions assuming experienced graphic designers have a basic knowledge of InDesign or Quark. We do not advise trying to learn either to design a book. Experienced designers that are new to book design often have a learning curve to laying out a book for the first time. We have in-house designers or can arrange for you to work with a top book designer or arrange low cost production work overseas.
What should I charge for my book?
That is up to you as you are the publisher. Do your homework though, and check out similar books in bookstores. Be aware that if you use a book distributor that it is common for them to charge 55 percent of the retail price. Star Print Brokers does not distribute books. We do not keep any royalties nor do we retain any rights to your title. We do not require authors to use our ISBN numbers because you are the publisher. We print high-quality books for you.
I need an ISBN Number and Bar Code. How do I do that?
We are not the publisher of your book — you are! And you should be the publisher of record.
Please visit www.isbn.org for an ISBN number. Usually a publisher buys ISBN numbers in a block of ten, but if you call directly, they will sell one number.
Bar Code: See R.R. Bowker Bar Code Service on our Resources weblinks to purchase a bar code.
Contact Star Print Brokers for Information or Quote Contact Us
Follow Us!