To my mind the easiest way to pull the engine is to pull the whole engine and transmission assembly as one unit, and it is easier if you remove the bonnet.
I always unbolt the engine mounts from the crossmember and lift them out still attached to the block. Because the threads on the bottom of the mount assemblies all face straight down, it is relatively easy to align them all when reinstalling. I would replace all three engine mount bushings as part of this process. If you have worn mounts you may have to fight them quite hard to get everything to align on the way in.
You can leave the alternator attached, but disconnect the starter and remove the AC compressor (you don't have to degas the system, just unbolt the compressor and cable tie it out of the way). You can lift the whole fuel rail out as-is and cable tie it out of the way, or disconnect the fuel hoses, either works. You do not need to disconnect the kickdown cable from the throttle spool and its probably better you don't, otherwise it'll just be flopping around, then it will probably catch on something and snap in half at the gearbox end!
You'll also need to remove the radiator and shroud, and if it's an auto gearbox, disconnect the transmission cooler hardlines. and remove them from the car before pulling the engine.
Disconnect the exhaust downpipe from the manifold. Leave the manifold on as you will want to use it to help lift the engine.
For autos, disconnect the shifter linkage underneath the car. For manuals, remove the shifter entirely. Support the back of the transmission with a jack and remove the rear crossmember entirely.
Shove a towel between the back of the head and the firewall so you don't scratch it up, and put a towel over the bonnet latch panel at the front. Some people remove this panel although I have never found it necessary.
When pulling the engine you can do it solo but it is much easier with two or three people as someone can just lift the back of the transmission up and over the front of the car.
Get an old tyre or pallet so you have something to sit the engine on afterwards. Beware as soon as you tip the engine forwards you will discover how much coolant you didn't remove!