diff --git a/plugin/makecols.vim b/plugin/makecols.vim
index a1f1d50..7b2d116 100644
--- a/plugin/makecols.vim
+++ b/plugin/makecols.vim
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ function! s:get_visual_selection()
 endfunction
 
 function! s:replace_selected_text()
-    :delete
+    :'<,'>delete
     normal! "*p
     echo "Just tried to replace the selection with the lines."
     return ""