A scenario I created with CustomMFD to place the space shuttle for launch on the landing pad at London City airport. To install just copy the contents into the main Orbiter directory and the scenario will be in the 'London' folder.
Requires my addon surface base of London:
http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3511
To launch just apply full thrust. Steer the shuttle gently so it is over water once in orbit (when the classical music starts playing). Press 'J' to jettison the fuel tanks. Once jettisoned you'll need to apply full thrust on the spaceshuttle again.
i'm afraid I don't have any tips on how to get the space shuttle successfully into orbit other than to pick up as much speed as possible before jetissoning the main fuel tank.