If she's serious, she needs an agent. She's never gotten past the people who read the slush pile (aka "unsolicited manuscripts"). Agents know editors. If an editor takes an interest, she has a chance.

There's also the self-publication and -- especially -- the small press route. Small presses are frequently looking for unique titles. With small presses, aspiring authors have a better chance of getting to the editorial level because the process is less, um, industrial than it is with a large press.

Local authors can frequently hawk their wares by doing book talks and author signings at book stores and libraries. Build a readership, and it will grow if the book is compelling. Small presses will also support this kind of activity by booking speaking engagements and interviews with radio and newspapers -- sometimes even local news "human interest" stories and local magazines. She can also encourage sales on the web. All this can be done if an author is self-published, but it takes a lot more effort to do it alone.

Those overnight sensations frequently have to work at it for 10 years or more.

If it's a picture book, she might need to hook up with an illustrator herself.