A Partnership Built on
Service & Story
Founded by a husband and wife team who believe that veterans hold some of the most important American stories—and those stories deserve to be preserved, honored, and shared.
A Promise Made Together
First Freedom Unlimited was born in 2018 around a worn mahogany table in a quiet corner of a historic library. Richard and Eleanor Hartwell—he a former Naval Engineer, she a librarian with two decades in publishing—sat across from one another with a manuscript between them and a question on their minds: why weren't more veteran stories finding their way into readers' hands?
Richard had returned from service with stories that refused to stay silent. Eleanor had spent her career championing voices that mainstream publishing overlooked. Together, they realized the gap wasn't a lack of talent among veteran writers—it was a lack of publishers willing to meet them where they were.
Our name comes from a truth they both understood: the First Amendment is the first freedom because without the freedom to speak, no other freedom can be defended. Those who have worn the uniform understand this in ways that words alone cannot convey. Richard and Eleanor built FFU to be the bridge between that understanding and the world that needs to hear it.
Our Core Values
Veteran Voices First
Every decision we make centers on amplifying the voices of those who served. Their stories are our mission.
First Amendment Integrity
We defend free expression in every form. We publish works that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought.
Authenticity Above All
We never alter a veteran's truth for marketability. Authentic stories resonate more than polished fiction ever could.
Community Building
We connect readers with authors, veterans with civilians, and create spaces for dialogue and understanding.
Literary Excellence
Authenticity does not mean settling. We work with authors to craft works that are both true and beautifully written.
Service to Storytellers
We serve our authors the way they served their country—with dedication, respect, and unwavering support.
Meet Our Team
Richard Hartwell
Co-Founder & CEO
Former Naval Engineer and author of "Crossing the Wire." Richard founded FFU alongside his wife Eleanor, bringing technical precision and a deep respect for service stories to the mission of amplifying veteran voices.
Eleanor Hartwell
Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Former librarian with over two decades in publishing. Eleanor brings editorial rigor, literary expertise, and deep compassion to every manuscript, ensuring veteran voices are heard exactly as intended.
Diana Cruz
Senior Editor
Navy veteran and MFA graduate. Has edited over forty veteran-authored manuscripts since joining FFU.
Marcus Webb
Community Director
Marine Corps veteran who builds bridges between authors and readers through events and online forums.
Sarah Lindqvist
Publishing Director
Twenty years in traditional publishing, now dedicated exclusively to amplifying veteran literary voices.
Thomas Reid
Veteran Outreach
Air Force veteran who personally connects with service members to help them find their voice through writing.