Location Portland, Oregon, United States Regions West Coast, Western US Gender Male Also Known As Editor-in-Chief of Tin House Magazine and Tin House Books
Website win-mccormack.com LinkedIn View on LinkedIn
Win McCormack is an American editor, publisher, author, and political activist whose career spans more than 4 decades. Throughout that time, he has worked across literature, journalism, and public affairs, helping shape publications that have influenced cultural and political discussions in the United States. He is widely recognized as the founder
and editor-in-chief of Tin House and as the owner of The New Republic. Throughout his career, Win has remained committed to long-form writing, editorial independence, and the careful stewardship of publishing institutions.
Born as Winthrop Laflin McCormack, he grew up in a family connected to law, public service, and finance. His father, Alfred McCormack, worked in military intelligence during World War II and later served in a senior position within the State Department. On his mother’s side, his family history is linked to the founding family of a major financial institution based in Chicago.
He attended Phillips Academy in Andover before continuing his education at Harvard College, where he earned a degree in government. Between those educational experiences, he spent time in Indonesia as an American Field Service exchange student. This opportunity provided exposure to international perspectives that later influenced the way he viewed the world. After graduating from Harvard, he worked in teaching and social services before enrolling in the University of Oregon, where he pursued an MFA in creative writing.
Win entered the publishing field while completing graduate studies. During that period, he became involved in a congressional campaign and later invested in the Oregon Times magazine. He eventually became the publication’s publisher and later renamed it Oregon Magazine. From 1976 to 1988, he served as editor and guided the magazine’s development. Under his leadership, the publication became known for its commitment to long-form journalism and investigative reporting.
His work in publishing expanded beyond a single magazine. He became a co-owner and treasurer of MediAmerica, Inc., a company that publishes several regional business, lifestyle, and travel publications. During these years, he also participated in projects connected to national media. His professional activities included helping co-found Mother Jones magazine and contributing to specialized publications such as Military History Quarterly and Art and Auction.
In the late 1990s, McCormack established Tin House, a literary magazine that gained recognition for publishing both emerging and established writers. The publication developed a reputation for featuring fiction, poetry, and essays while maintaining a strong focus on literary craft and originality. Through its editorial approach, the magazine became an important platform within contemporary American literature.
The influence of the publication expanded further with the creation of Tin House Books in 2005. The publishing division released award-winning books across multiple genres and helped introduce new voices to readers. In 2003, the Tin House Summer Workshop was launched, providing writers with opportunities for intensive learning, collaboration, and creative development. Although the magazine ended its quarterly print publication in 2019, the broader Tin House organization continues through its books, workshops, and related programs.
In 2016, Win acquired The New Republic, a political magazine founded in 1914. After taking ownership, he also became editor-in-chief. During a period of change for the publication, he worked to restore its emphasis on long-form political and cultural journalism. His leadership combined respect for the publication’s history with efforts to maintain its relevance in contemporary political discussions.
This chapter of his career reflects a broader commitment to supporting established institutions and helping them adapt to changing circumstances. By emphasizing editorial depth and continuity, he contributed to the ongoing development of a publication operating in a difficult, rapidly evolving media landscape.
One of McCormack's most significant journalistic projects took place during his years at Oregon Magazine. He led a detailed investigation into the Rajneesh movement in Oregon, overseeing extensive reporting on the organization’s activities. Over several years, the magazine published reports that examined issues receiving limited attention elsewhere at the time. The investigation earned recognition from journalism organizations and later served as the basis for his book, The Rajneesh Chronicles. The work is widely regarded as an important account of that period in Oregon’s history.
In addition to investigative reporting, he has authored You Don’t Know Me: A Citizen’s Guide to Republican Family Values. He has also written essays and commentary for publications including The Nation and various regional outlets. Through his writing, he has remained engaged in discussions surrounding politics, culture, and public affairs.
Beyond his publishing work, Win McCormack has participated in philanthropic and political efforts connected to progressive causes. He was a co-founder of the Liberty Hill Foundation, an organization that supports grassroots activism and community-based initiatives focused on systemic issues. The foundation developed an approach that directed resources toward local organizers and projects that often received limited support from traditional philanthropic institutions.
His political involvement has also included participation in Democratic Party activities, work on national political campaigns, and service on boards dedicated to education, the humanities, and public policy. These efforts reflect his long-standing interest in civic engagement and public service.
Throughout his professional life, McCormack has combined literary interests with organizational leadership. His contributions to publishing have supported both artistic expression and political discussion, while his work has helped sustain publications dedicated to thoughtful journalism and independent editorial practices. Through magazines, books, workshops, and public engagement, he has played a role in encouraging new voices and supporting meaningful public conversation.
Today, He remains active in publishing and public life. His career reflects a continuing commitment to long-form journalism, independent publishing, and the development of institutions that contribute to cultural and political discourse. Through the publications and initiatives he has guided, Win McCormack continues to influence readers, writers, and public conversations across the United States.
