23. The computer readable storage medium of claim 18 , including instructions that cause the device to perform a word processing function on text located between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.
18. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by an electronic device with a touch-sensitive display, cause the device to: display text on the touch-sensitive display; detect a text selection initiation gesture; in response to the detecting of the text selection initiation gesture, insert 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, display 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, display a ghost handle associated with the first endpoint, wherein the ghost handle is displayed in place of the first handle.