Win McCormack

Win McCormack is an American editor, publisher, author, and political activist with a career spanning literature, journalism, and public affairs for more than 40 years. He is widely recognized for founding and leading Tin House and for owning The New Republic. Throughout his professional life, he has supported long-form journalism, independent editorial work, and the development of influential publishing institutions. Raised in a family connected to public service, law, and finance, McCormack was born as Winthrop Laflin McCormack. His father served in military intelligence during World War II before taking on a senior role in the State Department. His mother's family was associated with the founding of a major financial institution in Chicago. He attended Phillips Academy and later earned a degree in government from Harvard College. During his education, he spent time in Indonesia as an American Field Service exchange student. After graduating, he worked in teaching and social services before completing an MFA in creative writing at the University of Oregon. Win's publishing career began while he was a graduate student. Following involvement in a congressional campaign, he invested in the Oregon Times magazine. He later became its publisher and transformed it into Oregon Magazine, serving as editor from 1976 to 1988. Under his leadership, the publication became known for investigative reporting and in-depth journalism. He also co-owned and served as treasurer of MediAmerica, Inc., which produced several regional magazines. During this period, he helped establish Mother Jones magazine and contributed to other specialized publications. In the late 1990s, Win McCormack launched Tin House, a literary magazine that gained recognition for publishing both new and established writers. The expansion of Tin House Books in 2005 broadened its influence, while the Tin House Summer Workshop, introduced in 2003, created opportunities for writers to study and collaborate.