You have gotten good comments so far. Yes, micromanagement is a key to higher levels. Also, use lux slider for happiness early on--growing your cities (i.e., keeping workers working) is key.
Tech brokering is a must--look for 2-fers and 3-fers whenever they present themselves. 40-turn tech gambits are also good--even if you do not get the tech first, you may get it in time to broker--or, just get the tech for free. You have to look for the techs that the AIs do not immediately prize (math, currency, poly are some). Pre-builds for later wonders are needed. While you can get some ancient and middle age wonders on emperor--don't count on it, and as said before, you should not count on getting TGL as your only strategy. You just keep plugging on--even if you are way behind, some good trading will get you right back in the mix of things--remember that techs are discounted as more civs learn them. The longer the game lasts, the better for the human player--always able to better use production and commerce in the industrial and modern ages.
I am SURE that this is only scratching the surface--Read a few of the succession games from the forum--you will get a great feel for how the experienced (not me, by the way) deity players tackle a game. Emperor strategies are very similar, just that small mistakes are more easily overcome.
Good luck as you take on more challenge!
- Bam-Bam