In a three-part series starting today, the Alliance of Independent Authors #AskALLi team explores mailing lists, how to set them up, how to grow them, manage them and most importantly, build and sustain relationships and connections with your readers. With deep thanks to all of our members who contributed insightful comments and a special thanks to Heide Goody, Joseph Alexander and Wendy H Jones for their contributions as well as all the other members who took the time to respond. This is the ultimate guide to mailing lists for indie authors part 1.