First - Be sure to copyright all of your work through the Library of Congress. Second - Get local artists to perform your music and be sure that you get credit at each performance. Third - Get your songs recorded. Sound quality is not critical, but a good representation of the song is. Send copies of these 'demo' tapes to as many pro artists and publishers as possible.
Lists are available.
Getting your songs on tape will be a huge help in communicating your ideas since you don't have the music background. If you have melodies that go with your lyrics, you might want to record yourself singing the lines without accompaniment for this purpose. Try to meet as many musicians as possible. Get to know their strengths and choose the right person for the situation at hand. Remember that all musicians have something creative to offer.