Toronto writer Sheila Heti  is in the running for a prestigious literary honour – “The Women’s Prize for Fiction.”

It was  previously known as the Orange Prize.

Heti ‘s  novel  “How Should A Person Be?” is on the longlist of 20 candidates for this years award.

Heti’s book was first published in Canada in 2010 and in the U.K. and U.S. in 2012.

The Toronto writer faces stiff competition for the award which celebrates excellence in English-language fiction by female authors.

Notable rivals this year include British writer Hilary Mantel  who has racked up multiple prizes for her latest Tudor-era novel “Bring Up The Bodies.”

Also on the list is American favourite Barbara Kingsolver.

The 2013 winner will receive a cheque for almost $46,000 and the Bessie award at a  ceremony on June 5th.