It's not a simple answer - some plants take very well from cuttings, others do not. Most conifers, for example, are difficult, if not impossible, to grow from cuttings, as are maples, and these tend to be mostly seed grown or more often, grafted. A lot of evergreen shrubs are somewhat easier but unless one is extremely accomplished at this process and with all the right facilities, it is unusual to get a very high success rate. Figure a 20-25% survival rate. Layering may be a more efficient method of propagation for some shrubs. English laurel is relatively easy, although in this area cuttings are generally redundant as it seeds to the point of being a weedy invasive.

Get a copy of Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants or The Manual of Woody Plant Propagation (should be in libraries if you do not wish to invest in either). Both will provide info on when and how to strike cuttings of various plants, with the second text being considerably more detailed.

Another book to look for which is rich in "how to" information and photos is Ken Druse's 'Making More Plants'. It does include taking cuttings of conifers. I haven't used his book for conifers but have found it helpful with other evergreen shrubs. Obviously a species specific book will have more detail on how to propagate that one species but I have never been let down by the Druse book.
It explains each of the propagation methods and illustrates them with photos. it is a beautiful book.....now with smudges on many pages! jwww