1. A method using an electronic device having a touch-sensitive display, comprising: displaying text on the touch-sensitive display; detecting a text selection initiation gesture in response to the detecting of the text selection initiation gesture, inserting a text selection area bounded by a first endpoint located in the text at a first location and a second endpoint in the text at a second location: when the first endpoint and the second endpoint are located within currently displayed text, displaying a first handle proximate to the first endpoint and a second handle proximate to the second endpoint; and when the first endpoint is located outside currently displayed text, displaying a ghost handle associated with the first endpoint, wherein the ghost handle is displayed in place of the first handle.