What is Voice?

I've heard more than my share of editors stating that it's 'voice' that really makes the sale. Voice, voice, voice.

At the SCBWI Conference I attended i September, Scholastic Editor, Jennifer Rees said, "For me it's all about the writer's voice and the beauty and uniqueness of their language and the characters. A writer's voice should be compelling, genuine, strong and unique.  I come across lots of stories that are functional - the characters are drawn just fine, the plot elements are all in place - but the story lacks voice and spirit. These are the stories I think, 'Well, this was decent.' But somehow, inside, I feel as if I've been let down because I know it's not great stuff, it's not exciting - it didn't speak to me as a reader. With great voice we can fix plot."

From what I can piece together, Voice is a combination of...

1.) words
2.) language
3.) spirit
4.) punctuation
5.) grammar
6.) narrative elements (Characters, Setting, Plot)
7.) longevity (the story remains in readers mind)

A Voice should be...

1.) Distinctive
2.) Fresh
3.) the glue that holds it all together
4.) the author's stamp
5.) You
6.) Magic

Voice controls....

1.) Mood
2.) Emotions
3.) Pace
4.) Structure

When you look at those lists, you wonder how a writer can have a unique voice. Then again, all writers use the EXACT basic tools. Words.

How does one writer manipulate the same words that we all have at our disposal, but make them their own, creating a distinct voice? That's what I'm always trying to figure out. That's what I look at when I'm reading a new book.

I've been told that I have a voice, but when I'm editing my manuscripts, I'm always worried that I might be cutting out my voice. You know? Can a writer actually edited his/her novel to the point where their authorial stamp disappears?

Anyway, I kind of posted this for my own sake, trying to pinpoint what, exactly, is a writer's VOICE. If you have any thoughts to add, please do.