My understanding is that Lulu allows you to print and publish your own writing much like Snapfish and other sites like that allow you to print a bound photo album.

Your friend should network as much as she can with her local library, newspapers, and town websites to get her name out there.

Lulu sounds like what is called a vanity press, where the author pays to have the book published. I agree with Sheri that networking will get her name out there, but if she wants a future in publishing where she gets paid (albeit not as much as you might think unless you are among the top tiny percent of bestsellers) she probably needs a literary agent.

My brother has written a novel, the first thing he did after completion was to find an editor, who told him he needed to cut it fron 600 pages to 300!! This he has done, not an easy task for him, the latest is that it has been submitted to a literary agent. Now it is a waiting game, it could I hope turn out well, the editor after reading the first submission said "it is fine story" this comment I like so very much!!!

I have been going to a number of appearances and readings by authors, which we have in spades here in Maine, and they all say you need an agent. (How do I get published? is the most-asked question.) First, you have to find an agent that works in your area, like mysteries, travel guides, etc., then get one to take you on. Can be quite a lengthy process. They really like it when you have a "platform." For instance, if you wrote a thriller that involves medical things, it would be really helpful if you were a doctor, i.e. Tess Gerritsen.

None of this is very helpful, but maybe a little bit interesting.