When a musician is going to use a song he authored for "publication rights", what exactly does that mean?

Question

Is it like the musical version of a patent? Recording a song to prove that you own it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

When you write a song you want to record you should have it copyrighted by the Library of Congress. If you are a serious songwriter you should set up (with a help of a lawyer) your own publishing company so if you get signed by a label you will get all of the royalties.