Win McCormack

Win McCormack is an American editor, publisher, author, and political activist whose career has encompassed literature, journalism, and public affairs for more than four decades. He is widely recognized as the founder and editor-in-chief of Tin House and the owner of The New Republic. Throughout his professional life, he has remained committed to long-form journalism, editorial independence, and the development of publications that contribute to cultural and political discourse. Born as Winthrop Laflin McCormack, he was raised in a family with strong connections to public service, law, and finance. His father served in military intelligence during World War II before later assuming a senior role in the State Department. His mother's family was linked to the founders of a major financial institution in Chicago. He attended Phillips Academy and later earned a degree in government from Harvard College. During his years of study, he participated in an American Field Service exchange program in Indonesia. After completing college, he worked in education and social services before pursuing an MFA in creative writing at the University of Oregon. Win's introduction to publishing came during graduate school. After becoming involved in a congressional campaign, he invested in Oregon Times magazine and later transformed it into Oregon Magazine. Serving as editor from 1976 to 1988, he helped establish the publication as a respected source of investigative reporting and in-depth journalism. He also co-owned and served as treasurer of MediAmerica, Inc., which published several regional magazines. His early publishing experience included helping found Mother Jones magazine and contributing to a range of specialized publications. In the late 1990s, McCormack founded Tin House, a literary magazine that gained recognition for publishing both emerging and established writers. The organization expanded with the creation of Tin House Books in 2005. The Tin House Summer Workshop, launched in 2003, offered writers opportunities for study and collaboration. Although the magazine ended its quarterly print publication in 2019, the broader Tin House platform continues through books, workshops, and related literary activities. In 2016, Win acquired The New Republic and became editor-in-chief, guiding the publication through a period of transition while reinforcing its focus on political and cultural analysis. He also led a major investigation into the Rajneesh movement in Oregon, which was later compiled into The Rajneesh Chronicles. His published works include You Don't Know Me: A Citizen's Guide to Republican Family Values, as well as essays and commentary on political and cultural issues. Beyond publishing, he has been active in philanthropy and progressive political causes, including co-founding the Liberty Hill Foundation and serving on boards of organizations dedicated to education, public policy, and the humanities. Today, Win McCormack continues to play an active role in publishing and public life, contributing to literary and political discussions through the institutions and initiatives he has helped establish and sustain.