I think 'The Virginian' is a top choice. It combines adventure, romance, and a vivid portrayal of the western landscape and way of life.
A great Western novel often has a vivid sense of place. The description of the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of the West, like the deserts and mountains, is important. For example, in 'Lonesome Dove', the long cattle drive across different terrains is vividly depicted. Also, strong characters are key. Characters like the tough cowboys or the resilient pioneer women. In 'True Grit', the young girl's determination makes the story engaging.
A great publisher for western novels should have a good understanding of the genre. For example, they should know the elements that make a western novel engaging, like the setting, the characters, and the plot. They should also have a network of editors who are experienced in this type of literature.
The characters play a huge role too. In a best western fantasy novel, you might have a tough - as - nails gunslinger who also has to deal with magical powers or mythical creatures. Take 'The Dark Tower' for instance. Roland is not just a skilled fighter with his guns, but he's also in a world full of strange magic and he has to navigate through it. His character is complex, having his own code of honor which is both western - like and also influenced by the fantasy elements around him. These kinds of complex characters make the story more engaging and the novel more likely to be considered 'best'.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a classic that vividly portrays the Old West with its complex characters and their adventures. Another might be 'The Ox - Bow Incident' which delves into themes of justice and mob mentality in a western setting. 'True Grit' is also great, following a young girl's quest for vengeance with the help of a tough U.S. Marshal.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a classic that vividly depicts the American West with its complex characters and epic storylines.
One of the top publishers for western novels is Penguin Random House. They have a wide range of western novels in their catalog, from classic works to contemporary best - sellers. Their editorial team is known for high - quality selections and promoting diverse voices within the western novel genre.
Another notable novel is 'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark. This novel delves deep into the moral and ethical issues that could arise in the lawless western environment. It's not just about the typical western action but also makes you think about right and wrong, making it a very thought - provoking read among the best of Western Writers of America's works.
One good way is to build an author platform. This includes having a website where you can showcase your western novel, your writing process, and any related content. You can also start a blog and write about western - themed topics to attract readers interested in that genre.
Well, opinions vary on this. Some might say 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is one of the greatest. It set the standard for the western genre with its classic themes and memorable characters.
The story of the Trojan War is also among the great western culture stories. It was a long - drawn - out conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are based on this war. It shows themes like heroism, love, and the wrath of the gods, which are important aspects of western heritage.