I was a quarter finalist in Nicholl some years ago (under a different pen name, I should note) with one of my early scripts ... I got a couple inquiries, but the problem was the subject matter of my script ... the bubble burst on serial killer stories (this was before they were on TV every week on different shows) and what was once new and unique was now ordinary ... folks liked the writing, and a couple producers were interested, but the market changed and what was in became passe'.

It happens.

I had other scripts ready, I was working the whole time ... and for awhile it was a good sample, now it's not even that, as that I learned a lot more about writing since I wrote that one.

The best thing is to keep producing more material ... the more challenging and original the story, the better, as that it means folks will remember you.

Write something only you want to see, then write something else ... sooner or later the rest of the world will catch up.

Don't hesitate to mention what scripts you have in the pipeline. Say something like, "I've got this one about a guy who..." From my limited experience, you'll usually get a request to send it when it is finished. It will give you a heck of a motivation to finish it and do it well. And don't worry for an instant that someone will steal your idea and run with it from a basic pitch.

Query production companies that specialize in period pieces as well as agents and management companies. And as others have said, kw (keep writing).

I subscribe to IMDB PRO... you can usually get a lot of contact info for production companies and agents there. There are other sites, too. Some free.

Put together a query e-mail with a punchy logline and mention the Nicholl award.

If no bites, continue pitching it far and wide to various production companies, agents and managers.

Though I have been soured on even the Nicholl - long story - I would say to see if the script could be moved forward in time.

If it's a good story it still will be. Period pieces are tough sells because they are not as commercial.