News
8 October, 2025
Cracking the NYC book code
WOODFORD author Craig Ford has been recognised on the world stage, winning the team category at the 2025 New York City Big Book Awards for his cyberpunk novel, Foresight.
The award, which celebrates literary excellence, marked Craig’s fourth major accolade this year.
Foresight, described by Ford as a “hacker fantasy novel,” follows the journey of Sam, a female ethical hacker navigating the challenges of the cyber world.
Drawing on his own experience as a cyber educator and security professional, Craig’s novel stands out for its authentic portrayal of hacking and its commitment to encouraging more women to enter the field of cybersecurity.
The New York City Big Book Awards are considered a significant honour in the literary community, with New York often regarded as the heart of the publishing world.
“It’s pretty impressive, particularly as an Australian author, winning in New York,” he said. “If you win something there, that’s about the pinnacle you can get to.”
Judges praised Foresight for its grounded approach and immersive storytelling, noting how readers are drawn into the protagonist’s world.
Ford hopes his work will inspire others, especially young women, to pursue careers in cybersecurity.
“We’re only about 17 per cent female participation in cybersecurity, which is a bit low if you ask me,” he said. “I’m trying to do my thing to encourage more girls into the field.”
When asked for advice for aspiring authors, Craig emphasised the importance of passion and perseverance.
“If you have a bit of a passion for something, you should just give it a go and put your work out there. Don’t be scared to give it a shot,” he said.
The official award ceremony is scheduled for early 2026 in New York City, where Craig hopes to attend and celebrate his achievement among fellow authors.
