I was just wondering (daydreaming) what the process for cover design is? When a publisher accepts a manuscript for publication, how do they go about designing a cover for it? What input does the author have?
With a traditional publisher, you have little input on the cover. When you get famous and wealthy, your input will increase.
For self publishing:
1. No cover, just one of the stock templates provided by the manufacturer, such as lulu.com or createspace.
2. A photograph of your own.
3. A photograph lifted off the internet NOT! They are almost certainly under copyright, and you may or may not get your parts in the wringer for infringement.
4. A photograph custom made for you, with all rights.
2a and 4a. A signed release from any person appearing in your cover photograph.
5. A photograph from a royalty-free site like istockphoto.com
6. Title and author, etc, can be added using Photoshop, Gimp, or other graphics program.
7. Get a custom cover made by a specialty artist. Prepare to pony up $100 to $1000.
8. Adjust the cover to the specifications provided by the book manufacturer, eg, 72 dpi, 1/4" trim all around, etc.