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Win McCormack

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Win McCormack is an American editor, publisher, author, and political activist whose career spans literature, journalism, and public affairs for more than 4 decades. He is widely recognized as the founder and editor-in-chief of Tin House and the owner of The New Republic. Through his work, he has consistently supported long-form writing, editorial independence, and the preservation of influential publishing institutions. Born as Winthrop Laflin McCormack, he was raised in a family with strong ties to public service, law, and finance. His father served in military intelligence during World War II and later held a senior position in the State Department. His mother's family lineage was connected to the founders of a major Chicago financial institution. He attended Phillips Academy before studying government at Harvard College. During his academic years, he participated in an American Field Service exchange program in Indonesia, gaining early exposure to international perspectives. After completing his undergraduate education, he worked in teaching and social services before earning an MFA in creative writing from the University of Oregon. McCormack's publishing career began while he was in graduate school. After becoming involved in a congressional campaign, he invested in the Oregon Times magazine. He later published the magazine, renaming it Oregon Magazine, and served as editor from 1976 to 1988. Under his leadership, the publication earned recognition for investigative reporting and long-form journalism. He also co-owned and served as treasurer of MediAmerica, Inc., which published several regional business, travel, and lifestyle magazines. His early publishing activities included helping establish Mother Jones magazine and contributing to specialized publications. In the late 1990s, Win founded Tin House, a literary magazine known for publishing both emerging and established writers. The creation of Tin House Books in 2005 expanded its influence in the publishing industry. The Tin House Summer Workshop, launched in 2003, provided writers with opportunities for intensive learning and collaboration. Although the magazine ended its quarterly print publication in 2019, the broader organization continues through books, workshops, and related literary programs. In 2016, McCormack acquired The New Republic and became editor-in-chief, guiding the publication through a period of transition while strengthening its focus on political and cultural analysis. He also led a major investigation into the Rajneesh movement in Oregon, work that was later compiled into The Rajneesh Chronicles. His other published work includes You Don't Know Me: A Citizen's Guide to Republican Family Values. Beyond publishing, he has supported progressive causes through philanthropy and political engagement, including co-founding the Liberty Hill Foundation and serving on the boards of organizations dedicated to education, public policy, and the humanities. Today, Win McCormack remains active in publishing and public life, continuing to contribute to literary and political discourse through the institutions and initiatives he has helped build and sustain.
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