Win McCormack is an American editor, publisher, author, and political activist who has spent more than forty years contributing to literature, journalism, and public affairs. As the founder and editor-in-chief of Tin House and the owner of The New Republic, he has played an important role in supporting long-form journalism, literary publishing, and political commentary. His career reflects a continuing commitment to editorial independence and the preservation of influential media institutions.

Born as Winthrop Laflin McCormack, he grew up in a family associated with public service, law, and finance. His father served in military intelligence during World War II and later held a senior position at the State Department. His mother's family was connected to the founding of a major financial institution in Chicago. He attended Phillips Academy before studying government at Harvard College. During his educational years, he participated in an American Field Service exchange program in Indonesia, an experience that broadened his perspective. After graduation, he worked in teaching and social services before earning an MFA in creative writing at the University of Oregon.

McCormack's path into publishing began during graduate school. After taking part in a congressional campaign, he invested in Oregon Times magazine and later transformed it into Oregon Magazine. From 1976 to 1988, he served as editor, helping the publication gain recognition for investigative reporting and detailed feature journalism. He also became co-owner and treasurer of MediAmerica, Inc., which published several regional magazines. His early publishing activities included helping launch Mother Jones magazine and contributing to several specialized publications.

In the late 1990s, Win established Tin House, a literary magazine that became known for publishing both emerging and established writers. The creation of Tin House Books in 2005 expanded its presence in the publishing industry. The Tin House Summer Workshop, launched in 2003, offered writers a place to study and collaborate. Although the magazine ceased its quarterly print edition in 2019, the broader organization remains active through books, workshops, and related programs.

In 2016, McCormack acquired The New Republic and became its editor-in-chief. He worked to reinforce the publication's focus on political and cultural analysis while guiding it through a period of transition. He also directed an extensive investigation into the Rajneesh movement in Oregon, which later became the basis for The Rajneesh Chronicles. His published works also include You Don't Know Me: A Citizen's Guide to Republican Family Values.

Beyond publishing, he has remained involved in philanthropy and progressive political causes, including co-founding the Liberty Hill Foundation and serving on the boards of organizations focused on education, public policy, and the humanities. Today, Win McCormack continues to influence publishing and public life through the institutions, projects, and initiatives he has helped shape.