FAQs
Questions people usually ask.
It’s tricky for an independent author to get their book into stores. There are a handful of stores around the country that stock The Bottom Drawer Book. They include Collins Tamworth (NSW), Collins Orange (NSW), Collins Armidale (regional NSW), Collins Thirroul (NSW), Collins Sale (Vic), The Book Orchard (Bairnsdale Vic), Strath Collective (Strathalbyn SA), Let the Children Play (Mackay Qld), The Really Good Bookshop (Logan Qld).
The easiest way to buy The Bottom Drawer Book is online. Postage is only $5 and I send orders promptly from my little town in southern Queensland. If you prefer, try asking your local bookshop to source you a copy. They can contact me via my website.
The book certainly discusses the importance of having plans for this kind of information, with room to document your medical decision maker, the location of documents like your will, enduring power of attorney, etc.
I have created a separate, downloadable checklist specifically to handle the administrative logistics for your estate’s executor. I call it The Executor’s Sanity Saver! (You can download and print a hard copy or keep it digital — just open it as a PDF (not a Word doc) or in your browser to type straight into it.) You can access that for free here and, no, you don’t have to hand over any personal info.
The Bottom Drawer Book is dedicated to capturing your unique story, your wishes, and the things that matter most to your loved ones — you! Your favourite people will be grieving YOU, not the passcode for the gate or your final tax return.
The book takes care of you and your loved ones before your funeral, and The Executor’s Sanity Saver takes care of the paperwork after.
Yes! The Bottom Drawer Book is proudly an all-Australian resource, researched and written specifically for the way things work here at home.
While overseas checklists are commonly advertised on social media, those generic templates often use foreign terminology and overlook critical information regarding Australian services, regulations, and consumer rights.
The Bottom Drawer Book ensures you are using the processes, terminology, and options available right here at home.
Me! I’m Lisa Herbert, a journalist and media professional with a background in agricultural science. As a pretty organised person, I wanted to write down my farewell wishes back in 2011 so my family wouldn’t be left guessing. If something happened to me, they would no doubt stuff up my funeral!
Discovering there was no easily available information about death and funerals at the time, I started cold-calling funeral directors and deathcare professionals. Realising I couldn’t be the only person who wanted to be prepared, The Bottom Drawer Book was born right in my bedroom in Tamworth, NSW. The first edition was published in 2013. It’s been updated several times since.
The topic of funeral planning can feel awkward to bring up, but it doesn’t have to be a heavy conversation. Here are a few low-pressure ways to break the ice with your family:
The ‘blame the book’ approach:
Use me as your excuse! You can say, ‘I picked up this book called The Bottom Drawer Book, and it actually got me thinking about a few things I’d like to write down just to make life easier for you guys later on.’
The practical angle:
Focus on relief rather than grief. Try framing it as organisation: ‘I’m sorting out my plans and putting everything in one spot, so you won’t have to go hunting for it one day.’
The storytelling route:
Start with a memory or a preference. ‘I was listening to [Song name] today and it made me think that I’d definitely want that played at my funeral. I’m actually writing a few of these things down, so I don’t forget.’ The secret is to keep it casual, treat it like an act of love to save them stress later, and do it over a cup of tea (or wine!).
The childhood game:
You’ll find a quirky ‘final chapter’ chatterbox game to download here (remember those from your school days?).
The Departure Fold is a quirky game and non-confrontational conversation starter.
Honestly? Anyone who breathes. Death isn’t known for checking ID or waiting until we’re “old enough”. You don’t need a medical diagnosis or a head full of grey hair to put your wishes on paper — just a desire to make things easier for your favourite people. Think of it as the ultimate gift to your family: a clear, step-by-step roadmap that stops family debates before they start and saves them from impulse-buying a gold-plated casket out of sheer panic and grief.
The Bottom Drawer Book is popular with adult children of aging parents because it’s a wonderful conversation starter to help you sit down with your parents and gently capture their stories and wishes before it’s too late.
For those facing a tough diagnosis, it’s a gentle, practical way to take back the wheel, regain control, and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear. (It’s even widely used by many palliative care teams.)
Absolutely. It’s a very popular gift for parents, partners, and friends. If you’re not sure how they’ll react, I’ve written some poems to help break the ice and gently let them know why you are gifting them this special book. You can download the poems here
Filling in The Bottom Drawer Book will be a very, very special gift to those left behind.
While there’s space for teamwork in The Bottom Drawer Book, some things are solo work! The Bottom Drawer Book is designed to capture your individual story and personal reflections. Having a book of your own ensures you both have a private, dedicated space to express your unique wishes and memories and the freedom to write openly and honestly. And there’s no squabbling over space!
Orders will be sent promptly via Australia Post from near Toowoomba in southern Queensland. Delivery times vary depending on the delivery method you choose and where you live. Orders of one or two books will be sent via Australia Post’s letter delivery service. Orders of three or more books will be sent via Parcel Post. Next-day Express delivery is not possible from a regional area but your order will get to you much quicker than normal post . More info HERE.
Your options are: untracked mail for one or two books $5; tracked mail for one or two books $10; Express mail for one or two books $15; Parcel Post mail for three or more books $10.
Unfortunately, Australia Post isn’t what it used to be and delivery times can be up to 8 days via untracked letter post, depending on where you live. Thankfully though, it usually doesn’t take that long!
Not with your will! Many wills are not accessed until after the funeral. A filled-in Bottom Drawer Book is only helpful if people can find it when they need it. Keep it somewhere accessible, a bottom drawer perhaps! And tell your best friend, spouse, or your children exactly where it lives.
No, like all ebooks, The Bottom Drawer eBook is not an interactive or fillable document. If you are looking for an all-in-one place to record your plans, I recommend the paperback version.
However, if you prefer the eBook, simply grab your favourite pen and a blank notebook. The eBook will guide you through the questions and actions, and you can write your responses down in your notebook. By doing this, you’ll be creating a deeply personal keepsake. Years from now, your answers will endure as a true reflection of you — captured in your own handwriting, your doodles, your wit, and your unique life story.
Yes. If you’re buying 10 or more copies, please get in touch via order@thebottomdrawerbook.com.au I also offer bookshop terms for stores.
You are welcome to email me, the author, if you have any other questions. Contact me (Lisa Herbert) via info@thebottombrawerbook.com.au