diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ba56542..bf9b14b 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ Simple usage:
 Advanced usage:
 
     $('#my_textarea').simplyCountable({
-        counter:            '#counter',
+        counter:            '#counter', //or $('#counter')
         countType:          'characters',
         maxCount:           140,
         strictMax:          false,
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ Advanced usage:
 
 ## Options
 
-* `counter` - A jQuery selector to match the 'counter' element. Defaults to `#counter`.
+* `counter` - A jQuery selector or jQuery object to match the 'counter' element. Defaults to `#counter`.
 * `countType` - Select whether to count `characters` or `words`. Defaults to `characters`.
 * `maxCount` - The maximum character (or word) count of the text input or textarea. Defaults to `140`.
 * `strictMax` - Prevents the user from being able to exceed the `maxCount`. Defaults to `false`.
diff --git a/jquery.simplyCountable.js b/jquery.simplyCountable.js
index 7c1d577..bc384da 100644
--- a/jquery.simplyCountable.js
+++ b/jquery.simplyCountable.js
@@ -34,7 +34,18 @@
     return $(this).each(function(){
 
       var countable = $(this);
-      var counter = $(options.counter);
+      var counter;
+      
+      if (typeof(options.counter) == 'string'){
+        counter = $(options.counter);
+      }
+      else if (options.counter instanceof jQuery){
+        counter = options.counter;
+      }
+      else { 
+        throw new Error("The counter option must be a jQuery selector or a jQuery object.");
+      }
+
       if (!counter.length) { return false; }
       
       var countCheck = function(){