I havw produced many tracks over a period of 15 to 20 years and I reckon Frank has clarified pretty well the role of a produced. He missed out one important factor ... always bar any singer or musician from the mixing of their recording session! The singer will want to hear more voice, the bass player will expect to hear more bass etcetera.! I'm almost only joking. On a more serious side, I would agree you should copyright your songs by publishing them yourself before letting them 'roam' free as you seem to have done. If the songs are any good and a publisher/producer wants them then you can always do a deal or give them the publishing rights. I've had to fight for a few of my own songs from some unscrupulous artists/publishers who shall be nameless for the moment. Beware and good luck.
Jim