Thursday, September 22, 2011

How I got involved in proof reading Seeds of Zen

A casual chat at a wedding dinner and I got involved with proof reading some drafts of 'Seeds of Zen'. What I had in mind when I offered my voluntary service was to browse through and detect some mistakes which might be apparent to me. But instead, I was expected to do the final proof reading before Michelle sends to the publishers!

Michelle does not carry a mobile phone and shuns the computer because of possible side effects of radiation. My first assignment was to read texts forwarded by Arystle. The first problem I encountered was when her software was different from mine. Any correction was likely to be in different fonts, for example. So you can figure out others relating to word-processing. What had been corrected by me had to be sent to Michelle to be printed out for her to read. Then I was given some chapters handwritten by Michelle to be proof read and corrected. Having done that, I need to compare the texts of handwritten script with those shown on the computer, where the topics were the same. So I had to reread and compare, uncertain as to which was more recent which should supersede the earlier version. There was obvious duplication of work and it affected my tired eyes.

Personally, I am not a book reader and why I ended up proof reading scripts for a book was like being forced to read! Michelle knew my predicament which was why when the book was published she called to ask if I would like to have an autographed free copy, in case I might find it tortuous! Actually, I must admit that I joked to mutual friends that when Michelle gave me some more scripts and said she will be going for a 2-week retreat, I said I too would like to have a retreat or even to retreat! Which was why there were a few chapters which were proof read by others.

The foreword of Seeds of Zen was by Michelle's childhood friend and school mate since primary one, Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam. The book was published by Sukhi Hotu Sdn. Bhd.

The Star: Cancer no barrier for ex-teacher to pen book
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/9/15/metroperak/9494541&sec=metroperak
Link

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