How do I start creating book covers as a self employed artist?

Hello! I've always been fascinated by beautiful book covers (who hasn't been?) I'm also interested in art and would like to know I can start a book cover designing/illustrating business?

I don't have Photoshop or any Adobe products, just Clip Studio. I plan to first offer my services to self publishing authors who have little means to pay an established book cover designer, for around $200 (for paperback AND e-book). This will only be after I create enough book cover samples for a credible portfolio and getting used to creating good book covers.

Is $200 too much to ask for as a price on this since I'm a beginner book cover designer? How would I find clients? And would I need to pay for and build my own website for a decent portfolio? Also when do I know to up my prices? I want to be affordable to authors while also making decent money.

The genres I'm mainly looking to create for are fantasy/romantasy, romance, poetry, YA, and horror, but I'm open to any genre as I like to challenge myself and I have fun making covers of all types.

Any and all advice would be lovely, thank you!

Edit: Also, do I create contracts with the authors before I start working on the covers?