Familiarize yourself with the genre. Read as many Western novels as you can. Visit specialized bookstores with a good selection of Western literature, look online to find out what fans of the genre enjoy reading, join relevant groups and forums and keep yourself updated on the subject. Learn about early American history and geography.
Get to know the Western style. Traditionally set in the 19th century, when after the Civil War America expanded westward, Western novels contain elements of crime and drama stories, as well as horror legend tales. With cowboys and outlaws as their main characters, Western narratives are full of action, horse chases and gunshots. Become familiar with this distinct style before you attempt to write your Western plot.
Educate yourself on the Western theme. With Western representing freedom and the journey of discovery, this genre's theme is the conflict among Americans who moved into unsettled land in the West, seeking to be free. This setting works as a background for stories dealing with cultural clashes and gives ground to a powerful storytelling. Make yourself well acquainted with all the narrative possibilities that the Western theme has to offer.
Create a plot. Take a note of typical plots exploited in the Westerns you have read or found that people like. Create a story that evokes the anxiety and struggle of the people of that time and the nostalgia of the Wild West. Make sure to include ideas such as showdowns and family vendettas. At the same time, try to create an unusual conflict that makes your Western story stand out. Surprise your reader with an unpredictable ending.
Focus on the story's characters. With characters principally driving the Western's story forward, make sure you shape a set of different and interesting personalities to steer your plot. Begin with your main character and develop his life and background. Go as deep as his likes and dislikes, his friends and enemies, his family history. Then expand on the other characters of your Western story. Make sure your audience can relate to them and sympathize with them in some way.
Write your first Western book. Write your story keeping all the previous steps in mind. Remember to respect and follow the style and theme of the genre, but at the same time move forward, offer the readers something new, surprise them and keep them interested in your story and you as a Western writer. Do not just write one book or one story. Keep writing until you create a number of samples of your work.
Submit your Western stories or novels to Western literary publications. Go back to when you researched the genre in the beginning and became familiar with other Western novels and writers and look for their publishers' names. Find their contact details online and ask whether they would be interested in reading some of your work. Search also for literary journals. Most of them usually accept submissions. Gaining exposure for your work will help you get the attention of an agent or a publisher, so make sure your name is associated with some good material.