Intro and Cover Question

Hi, I’ve been lurking here for a bit; have listened to several of the podcasts and always learn something. I began my freelance editing career more than a decade ago when I was downsized out of an admin assistant job at a seminary. My first projects were DMin dissertations and I continue to do some academic editing and a good deal of Christian nonfiction. I work with traditional and hybrid publishers and freelance clients.

I’m not sure if this is a question for the group or Thomas the guru…but I’m curious about the cover design protocol at traditional publishers. Especially, how much input the author has to the design? And at what point in the editing process the cover design work begins.

Looking forward to the hive insight.