Cover ?'s

I just got offered a contract for my MS from a e-publisher. They will supply the cover art if I don't.

I'm thinking about trying to do so myself. Is this a normal practice?

What specs would be needed in general?

I've poked around here a little. I see some have gone to sites and done their own. I have a friend who's an artist I can ask to help.

I was thinking something very simple. Any advice?

Here's a pic I sent my artist that I found on deviant art that I think is nearly perfect.

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs13/f/2007/102/3/a/Dead_End_by_miltbrand.jpg

If the eye were a little "prettier" & the shadow maybe slightly less human. Or kept as is and not holding something. And the eye should be hazel.

That's what I want.

I haven't heard from him in a week. I don't want you to do anything because he may have something he hasn't sent me, but is that something you can see yourself doing?

The publisher hasn't suggested anything yet. They want to use their in house person to do the cover, although many have used their own art. She just doesn't know what my guy does.

Which I just got a letter from him, saying he doesn't think he has the time to do it, so he's bowed out.

And to dpaterso, yes, I was just using that pic to show what I wanted. I wouldn't want that exact thing either, but just the idea of it. An eye, with a close up like that, and you see a reflection of a shadow in it.

I'm now on my own. But at least I don't have to check my e-mail everyday to see if I've gotten any new drafts from my friend.

Well, they want to do the cover at no cost. I guess I just want control.

The deal is, if I supply the cover, he gets a % of the profits. So I guess there is a cost. Just not out of pocket.

They sell on Amazon and on Barnes and noble.

But thanks