There is so much information available to writers about ways to meet up and improve your craft that it can sometimes become a bit overwhelming. The three most frequently mentioned gatherings you might have seen mentioned, either online or through your writer’s group grapevine, are conferences, workshops, and residencies.

But what is the difference between them and, more importantly, which one is right for you? Read on for a thorough breakdown so you can figure out the program that works for your schedule, your budget, and the current status of your manuscript.

Writing Conferences
Writing conferences are intended as large-scale gatherings of like-minded writers who could benefit from the advice and guidance of published professionals. This usually comes in the form of panels, mini workshops, or lectures about particular aspects of the profession. Some conferences are focused solely on writing, while others also present information on related topics like editing and publishing. These conferences typically last for a few days and involve a lot of networking.

Depending on what you’re looking for, you can usually find one that is based on geography or focused on a particular genre or aspect of writing. As for the cost, conferences will likely be your cheapest option since it’s considerably less personalized than either workshops or residencies. That means there is no application process, so absolutely everyone is welcome.

Just keep in mind that, while you will likely have the chance to hear from (and perhaps meet) agents and editors, this is not the place to receive feedback or suggestions on your writing. Instead, consider a writing conference as more of a professional development session, where you can get some insider knowledge of the industry as a whole and discuss the process with others in your same position.

Writing Workshops
Next up we have writing workshops, which are set up as intensive (and sometimes exclusive) programs to get your manuscript in tip-top shape with the aim of being ready for publishing in the near future. Workshops consist of small gatherings of fellow writers, headed by a well-respected author or authors who give you tips, tricks, and general advice to get you on your way.

While these workshops tend to run longer than conferences—typically lasting anywhere from one to three weeks—they are generally jam-packed with events like group readings and discussions, small group workshops in which you critique each other’s work, lectures from the host(s), themed presentations on a particular part of the craft, and downtime, which you can spend either individually writing or socializing with your newfound comrades. Workshops often require applications, which means you’ll have to spend some additional time polishing your résumé and writing samples.

You are also expected to have a complete (or nearly complete) manuscript that you intend to polish or finish during your time at the conference. Workshops can be extremely helpful since you get more personalized time with the experienced authors who are your hosts and a chance to bond with other writers in close quarters. These tend to be more niche-oriented, as well, so you can find a workshop that caters only to fiction or poetry or memoir or . . . you get the idea.

Just keep in mind that feedback in workshops can be brutal, so it’s important that you go into it with a solid piece of writing and an openness to constructive criticism. If you’re sensitive when it comes to critiques of your work, or you haven’t gotten far enough along in your manuscript to be confident in its direction, then a writing workshop might not be the best use of your time or money.

Writing Residencies
The last and most intensive choice of gatherings is a writing residency, which tends to be extremely popular with academics. Residencies last for the longest stretch of time, sometimes even up to one or two months. They usually take place in a secluded area full of natural beauty (think woods, mountains, beaches, or even a fancy château). Many also provide on-site chefs for all your meals and plenty of suggestions for downtime activities to inspire you to write. For these reasons, residencies tend to be extremely expensive and competitive.

Getting away for weeks or months at a time might prove a problem if you have a day job or other commitments at home (hence why summer residencies are particularly popular for teachers and professors). But the main draw of these residencies is the vast amount of quiet time you’ll have to devote just to writing. There is rarely a particular structure to your days, with most of your hours completely open. The idea is that you’ll dedicate large chunks of time to writing, either in your assigned room, the common space, or perched in nature overlooking your inspirational surroundings. This can make for some great connections with fellow writers, since you’ll all be wandering around the same property for weeks at a time.

It also means, however, that you will have to be extremely self-motivated. No one is going to be there to push you forward, and there will be no deadline to force you to finish your manuscript. This lack of guidance and oversight can be perfect for someone who has a specific vision and just needs the time and space to finish it. But if you’re someone who needs constant prodding and accountability, this type of setup probably isn’t going to be very helpful.

Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.