Justin Oberman Seeks Audience Input for His Next Book

In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Oberman explores the often-discussed but challenging task of writing a book, particularly for content creators who have built a broad online presence. Oberman, who assists clients in their book-writing journeys, finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating his own next literary project.

Oberman outlines his process for helping clients, which involves leveraging existing content like newsletters and LinkedIn posts to demonstrate audience interest to publishers. He notes the irony of his current situation, stating:

“So yes, I know I should write one myself. But that’s also my problem: People follow me for all sorts of reasons. I’ve never been really good at the whole narrowing myself down thing.”

The core of Oberman’s post revolves around his indecision regarding a book topic, given his extensive and varied content output over the past five years. He references advice from his friend Jeremy Sirota, who suggested that the true test for writing a book is to create the one that feels most necessary.

Potential Book Directions Explored by Oberman

Oberman details several potential book concepts that he believes the market needs. One area of interest is a philosophical exploration of advertising history, connecting legendary figures to contemporary relevance and the consequences of forgetting industry lessons.

He also identifies a significant need for a book that delves into the philosophical implications of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence, posing questions that he feels are being overlooked by both AI developers and its critics.

Furthermore, Oberman suggests a practical guide on how to write like a human in the era of AI, focusing on editing AI-generated content to make it personal, while also engaging in deeper discussions about language and words.

Another idea put forth is a book demystifying personal branding, with a focus on leveraging storytelling, publicity, and showmanship.

Crowdsourcing the Creative Process

Despite these compelling ideas, Oberman explains that his current client load prevents him from dedicating the necessary time to develop a book. This has led him to engage his LinkedIn audience directly, seeking their input on what they would like to read from him.

As Oberman candidly admits:

“The suggestion that gets the most engagement is the one I’ll actually write. (Yes, I’m using the crowd-tested content method on myself. It would be hypocritical not to.)”

This interactive approach highlights Oberman’s commitment to audience-centric content creation, applying the very principles he advocates for his clients to his own professional development. The call to action invites his followers to participate in shaping his next major project, promising to prioritize the idea that resonates most strongly with the community.

Oberman’s post serves as a case study in content validation and audience engagement, demonstrating a practical application of his expertise in content strategy and book development. By opening the floor to his followers, he not only seeks guidance but also reinforces his credibility as a thought leader who practices what he preaches.